I am looking for some repair information for my R134 AC system. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I apparently have multiple leaks in the system. I got an estimate to repair it for $900. Apparently the evaporator and "combo line" needs to be replaced. I located the evaporator online for about $130. I am unable to find a part designated "combo line" online. Apparently, the combo line is an aluminum refrigerant line.

Does anyone know where I might find a repair manual that specifically calls out the appropriate parts? Also, the line is connected on one end with a fitting that requires a special tool. Any advise on where to obtain the proper tooling would help.

Thank you,

TCD

 

I don't know about a "combo" line. Maybe its slang. A Ford shop manual for the Explorer would show the parts. I don't have an Explorer, so can't help on that. About the fittings, could you be seeing a Ford Springlock coupling? Like a donut, with each tube going into where the center of a donut would be. Has a bent up piece of metal slid over it as a keeper. If that is it, you can find springlock tools at a good parts store, or acsource.com. Its a hinged plastic thing that you close around the coupling, and slide the projection part of it into the coupling from the correct side, which expands the garter spring. Then while holding the tool in, you twist a little to break the O-rings set, then pull apart while wiggling a bit. The tools are each coded by size, have a color code and a # size like #6, 8, 10, 12. Inside the coupling are two green HFC-134a compatible O-rings that you will need to replace, along with cleaning the grooves with a string and inside and outside tubing connection with a plastic brillo pad, Wipe clean and re-oil with the proper refrigerant oil (PAG or Ester) whichever is in there now.

Of course, if you are doing this yourself you will need a vacuum pump, new accumulator as the system has been no pressure for a while, correct oil, a 134a gauge set or adaptors for a R12/22 set, etc. And the knowledge needed to do it right. Mastercool has a 8 1/2 x 11" book that is good, maybe $20 or so.

 

Thanks for your help!