Is it real difficult on the Explorer (think 97) to charge/test the A/C system to find out what's wrong or not wrong with it?

Mine has never been cold from day 1 of purchase and I just wonder how simple something like this is as a DIY project. Local mechanic is kinda outrageous on his costs for stuff like this (and I'm sure with "environmental concerns" rightfully so...) so I'm thinking before I go see him I might want to check some things out on my own. I'm fairly well mechanically inclined so that's not a concern...

 

You are already 134, right?

If so, there are kits available for recharge. The test part is where I can't recall if the kits have a test procedure or not.

Is your system dead or do you still have some cooling? If some cooling, you can probably get by with a recharge. If dead, you have to find that leak or you're wasting time and money.

 

Yeah, I'm already 134. I wouldn't say the system is mechanically dead, but I don't get anything of worth in terms of cold air. When the switch is on A/C or Max A/C I can hear what sounds like the compressor kicking in and out, but I get basically nothing out of it in the way of cold air.

I would think the best way to find a leak is to trace the assorted lines/hoses with the a/c unit somehow?

ETA - went nosing around the Heating/Cooling forum and found this...almost a perfect description. I may not want to play shade tree mechanic on this one...

Symptom: No cooling. Rapid (short-)cycling of compressor clutch.
Problem: Compressor is turning on and off rapidly.
Solution: System is low on refrigerant charge. Your system has leaked and lost refrigerant. It needs to be evacuated, repaired, and then properly recharged to proper level.

Q. Can I use one of the charge-kits that include a stop-leak?
A. Sure, but you’re on your own. Sometimes they work fine, other times they mess up the system and leave you with a more expensive repair. Do you want to gamble with your $1500+ system?

Q. Can I just charge it up with the kit from Wal-Mart or the auto parts store?
A. You’re violating federal (US) law by charging a leaking system. You’re also likely to either under- or over-charge the system.

Q. I’m recharging the system with one of those kits. How do I know when it’s properly charged?
A. You won’t be able to. You need the low side pressure, high side pressure, and the ambient temperature along with the proper vehicle setup/preparation in order to charge a system accurately. The most accurate charge comes from weighing the refrigerant and charging into a completely evacuated system. You may get it close enough so it works, but you won’t have it at peak effeciency.

 

R-134 is weak....If your older and remember R-12 systems and how much colder they were, you are always going to be disappointed in R-134 systems.....Never been impressed with wallyworld kits, get a pro to recharge it, so you get the most out of wimpy R-134.

 

I remember the R-12's...had one in my first car in fact and it was in my dad's final car (even though he HATED A/C with a passion). They were fantastic, even though mine eventually went by the wayside also.

I'm going to let this to the pros I think...especially if there's a leak and there's other parts needing fixed. They'll find it much faster/easier than I will.

 

I've got a '98 Exploder with 134 and it will freeze you out just as good as any system. We have several cars with 134, ditto on all.

 

Yep as I've come to understand it a system built around R134 is just about as cool if not as cool as R12 however IF you had an older R12 Based AC and you update it to R134 it will never cool the same as it used to be on R12

 

Point taken. Never had a converted system.

 

You may have been lucky or I may have been unlucky, all the rigs I have had w/R-134 feel like a cool breeze, all my R-12s have felt like mid January Siberian express in comparison.