Another A/C Problem
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Melbourne, Ky
Another A/C Problem
Hi Guys and Gals (there are a few of you out there!),
I've been reading up on the A/C mods, and I'm having a bit of a problem. For starters, about 58 degrees is the coldest I can get it to blow. I tried putting more freon in the system thinking my gauge wasn't accurate. At about 50-55 psi, the compressor started to turn itself off and on constantly, like every second. I figured I overloaded it with freon. Drained it down to 45 (look out ozone!) and it acts like it did before. One thing that it does, and has done this since I got the truck 2 years ago, the compressor never shuts off when the A/C is on, or when I have anything turned on in the cab other than the vent and floor heat. I did install a shut-off valve on the heater last year, which did help it some. I read Dan's (kwikordead) article that he posted a link to about "black death". I sure hope it ain't what I got. Any ideas what it could be, or is it time to let a certified A/C guy dig into it.
I've been reading up on the A/C mods, and I'm having a bit of a problem. For starters, about 58 degrees is the coldest I can get it to blow. I tried putting more freon in the system thinking my gauge wasn't accurate. At about 50-55 psi, the compressor started to turn itself off and on constantly, like every second. I figured I overloaded it with freon. Drained it down to 45 (look out ozone!) and it acts like it did before. One thing that it does, and has done this since I got the truck 2 years ago, the compressor never shuts off when the A/C is on, or when I have anything turned on in the cab other than the vent and floor heat. I did install a shut-off valve on the heater last year, which did help it some. I read Dan's (kwikordead) article that he posted a link to about "black death". I sure hope it ain't what I got. Any ideas what it could be, or is it time to let a certified A/C guy dig into it.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
If the orifice is plugged, that would also point to the need for either a full system flush or some other part replacement. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's not much else that will plug the orifice except for some kind of gooey oily residue or residue laden metal filings from bad wear on something?
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Melbourne, Ky
Sorry for taking so long getting back to you all. My problem was quite simple really. I had over charged the system. My friend told me the low side was in the proper range, but the high side was too high. He warned me about doing that. He said that people have been hurt and killed by hoses blowing and injuring people. That's why you shouldn't go off the low side reading. He pulled a vacuum on the system and re-charged it. Now it runs at 53 degrees when it's 85 to 90 out. Much better than it was.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
Glad to hear you got it fixed! Now you can enjoy the rest of the summer.
As for the compressor, Ford is different than anybody else. Most every other manufacturer uses a button to activate the A/C compressor, Ford does it by ventilation selection. Here's how it stacks up:
Max A/C: recirculation on dash vents, with compressor
A/C: dash vents, with compressor
Dash vents: dash vents, no compressor
Off: Nothing
Dash and floor: dash and floor vents, with compressor
Floor: floor vents, no compressor
Defrost and floor: defrost and floor vents, with compressor
Defrost: defrost vents, with compressor
If it is less than 50F outside, the A/C compressor will not come on.
One of these days I'm going to trace the wired down in the switch, cut them and put in my own switch so I can cold, dehydrated air any time I want!
One thing that it does, and has done this since I got the truck 2 years ago, the compressor never shuts off when the A/C is on, or when I have anything turned on in the cab other than the vent and floor heat. I did install a shut-off valve on the heater last year, which did help it some.
Max A/C: recirculation on dash vents, with compressor
A/C: dash vents, with compressor
Dash vents: dash vents, no compressor
Off: Nothing
Dash and floor: dash and floor vents, with compressor
Floor: floor vents, no compressor
Defrost and floor: defrost and floor vents, with compressor
Defrost: defrost vents, with compressor
If it is less than 50F outside, the A/C compressor will not come on.
One of these days I'm going to trace the wired down in the switch, cut them and put in my own switch so I can cold, dehydrated air any time I want!
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Melbourne, Ky
Just an update on the A/C. Took the family for a 3 day weekend trip. I have been noticing the compressor clutch slipping when turning the A/C on for a brief moment. Checked the clearance and it is at .025 on the clutch disc. I have removed it and cleaned it up and that eliminates the slipping at startup for a few times, then it starts slipping again. It only slips at startup, and only for a few seconds. On the trip, it ran cold! It was only in the mid 80's on the warmest day, but I kept the fan in the 2 lowest settings once the cab was cooled down.
Was wondering if a new clutch disc would eliminate the slipping at startup,,,,,
Was wondering if a new clutch disc would eliminate the slipping at startup,,,,,
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