AC question.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Citrus Heights, CA
AC question.
You may recall that I broke my back. I've been wearing this plastic turtle shell TLSO brace and it is miserable when the weather gets hot. I'm starting to wonder if the AC on my '01 F150 SuperCrew is starting to get a little weak.
It may be the brace, but it seems like it takes a long time for the cab of the truck to chill down. It tends to blow fairly cool air, but it doesn't seem like ice cold air. How can I tell if it is right?
It's getting close to 10 years old and has never had an AC service. Anyone have gauges? Anyone have any experience with the parts store kits? I am currently unemployed (disability from back injury), so money is a really big issue.
Thoughts, suggestions?
chet
It may be the brace, but it seems like it takes a long time for the cab of the truck to chill down. It tends to blow fairly cool air, but it doesn't seem like ice cold air. How can I tell if it is right?
It's getting close to 10 years old and has never had an AC service. Anyone have gauges? Anyone have any experience with the parts store kits? I am currently unemployed (disability from back injury), so money is a really big issue.
Thoughts, suggestions?
chet
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,085
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
I have not worked on an AC system since 1984. I have not used the store bought kits. Sounds like you just might need a simple recharge. or there could be a leak in the system. Don't know anyone with gauges though, so I can't help much on that issue.
Maybe someone in the chapter has some gauges, and lives a bit closer can help out.
Maybe someone in the chapter has some gauges, and lives a bit closer can help out.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Chet, you can buy a simple little thermometer (kinda looks like your basic meat thermometer) at most auto parts stores:
You simply stick it into the center vent as shown and with the A/C blowing full cold, let it settle in then read the temp. This should show you whether it's the A/C or you. I realize you don't have a basline reading to go off of, but your A/C in good shape should be putting out somewhere in the 35º-45º range. If you're up in the 50ºs or even 60ºs then some attention to the system is probably needed.
If you do need to top off the system, you can buy a simple little single gauge at the parts store along with a can of R134a. Beware of the kits however...DO NOT buy a kit or any can of R134a that has Stop Leak in it, this can kill your A/C system over time. Yes, it will plug the leaks, as well as plug things that you don't want plugged.
You simply stick it into the center vent as shown and with the A/C blowing full cold, let it settle in then read the temp. This should show you whether it's the A/C or you. I realize you don't have a basline reading to go off of, but your A/C in good shape should be putting out somewhere in the 35º-45º range. If you're up in the 50ºs or even 60ºs then some attention to the system is probably needed.
If you do need to top off the system, you can buy a simple little single gauge at the parts store along with a can of R134a. Beware of the kits however...DO NOT buy a kit or any can of R134a that has Stop Leak in it, this can kill your A/C system over time. Yes, it will plug the leaks, as well as plug things that you don't want plugged.
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