Air conditioning problems
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New User
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Lucerne Valley, CA
Air conditioning problems
I know my Air is either low or non exsistant on Freon. The problem is it take 12 instead of 134a and I don't know what would be the best solution. I know there's a cheap (read not a good idea) conversion to 134 but I would like to do it right. I got a hell of a deal on the Van which is a 1991 E-250 Econoline w/5.8l engine. It only has 37k miles original and I picked it up for only $400, it's what I'd call a once in a life time deal. I've read that the parts would be around $300 to do it right. What are my options???
Robert
Robert
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Joined: Mar 2009
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If your Freon is very low, or gone, you have a leak some wheres, The freon really don't wear out, it escapes the system thru a leak.
The first thing is to find the leak, and get it repaired.
Also, with a system that old, and the system empty, a new Accumulator is in order, and a complete evacuate of the system, before any new or conversion is made.
Any R12 system can be converted to R134 with the added oil, and the adapters for the fittings.
When it comes to AC systems, you either let them go, or have a special AC shop do the work, and in the long run, it's worth it.
And........yea, you got a killer deal on the van, better than the $12,900 that I paid the dealer for a 1990 E250 (brand new)
OH, yea, that was 18 years ago.
The first thing is to find the leak, and get it repaired.
Also, with a system that old, and the system empty, a new Accumulator is in order, and a complete evacuate of the system, before any new or conversion is made.
Any R12 system can be converted to R134 with the added oil, and the adapters for the fittings.
When it comes to AC systems, you either let them go, or have a special AC shop do the work, and in the long run, it's worth it.
And........yea, you got a killer deal on the van, better than the $12,900 that I paid the dealer for a 1990 E250 (brand new)
OH, yea, that was 18 years ago.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Spartanburg, SC
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Lorain County, Ohio
R134a is more readily available as are the tools and supplies. You should be able to source everything locally.
To do the job you will need at least these tools:
-Manifold gauge set
-Electric vacuum punp
-A good compressed air source
-Set of Ford Spring Lock Coupler tools.
You can rent the gauges and pump and the coupler tools are not expensive. Those 4 things are "must have" for a DIY repair or conversion.
Does the van have rear AC too? If so, consider staying with R12. Dual systems tend to not convert well. If it's only Front AC, R134a will be fine.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Spartanburg, SC
--------------------------- $50 ---------------------------
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92649
How about knowing high and low side pressures? Aren't they different for different year/models? Where would I find these for my 2005 E350 (front and rear) and my 2005 Focus?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92649
How about knowing high and low side pressures? Aren't they different for different year/models? Where would I find these for my 2005 E350 (front and rear) and my 2005 Focus?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Lorain County, Ohio
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92649
How about knowing high and low side pressures? Aren't they different for different year/models? Where would I find these for my 2005 E350 (front and rear) and my 2005 Focus?
How about knowing high and low side pressures? Aren't they different for different year/models? Where would I find these for my 2005 E350 (front and rear) and my 2005 Focus?
There are no set pressures for an AC system. They will vary widely with ambient temp, cabin temp, humidity, sun load, etc. The manufacturers publish pressure ranges which are all pretty much the same. They assume that the user can compare the gauge data to the published ranges and interpret the meaning.
Basic rule of thumb is 25-28psi Low and 2.5 times ambient temp High with the engine at 1500rpm, Max AC, High Blower, doors closed.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
There are more then a few topics on this conversion in the Cooling Heating forum.
Basically, hoses go bad because of the seals, replace all the seals/o rings with new ones (green). Then replace the DRYER. Flush the whole system with carb cleaner and alcohol. Pull a vacuum and fill with r134. You can get an adapter for the r12 fitting.
Basically, hoses go bad because of the seals, replace all the seals/o rings with new ones (green). Then replace the DRYER. Flush the whole system with carb cleaner and alcohol. Pull a vacuum and fill with r134. You can get an adapter for the r12 fitting.
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