1992 Ranger XLT

[slownis]

Hi,

My AC hasn't worked since I bought the truck. The previous owner had let it sit for about a year, and said it worked great before then. I can hear it cycling on and off. The compressor kind of growls for a bit, then turns off after a few seconds.

I figured I'd start with replacing the orifice tube and the accumulator. Where exactly is the Orifice tube? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[slownis]

OK, found the orifice tube, changed it, no good, flushed, refilled, with a used compressor. Is it standard practice for junk yards to sell only junk? Because I picked up a compressor for $50 at one, swapped the clutch/coil, and it could only push about 2 inches of force acording to my guages. So a took it back for a new one. This one actually works, but rattles at idle, so I have doubts about its longevity. Ugh. 3 cans of R134 and the oil add up, I don't wanna do it again.

 

[4x4junkie]

Probably would be better to just buy a new compressor rather than keep screwing around with used junk

 

[exbass94]

Try finding a newer, lower mileage compressor from the junkyard. Ford used the same compressor in v6 Rangers from 1990 till 2010. Its also used in v6 (not v8) Explorers from 91-01.

That's assuming your truck has a v6. 4 cylinders use a different compressor.

 

[steve63]

i would argree with the last statement,but watch out at u-pull it type of junkyards,the employees keep the best stuff,lol

 

[shane96ranger]

I paid the price on a used one. The one I bought shot a bunch of debris through the system on my Explorer. I wound up replacing the entire system, hoses and all because I found bearing fragments. It worked nicely after that!

Go to www.rockauto.com for a Motorcraft unit for 220 bucks with a new clutch. Or a brand new 4 seasons unit for 164 bucks.

 

[slownis]

I've about given up on it. I've already spent a ton of time and money, and I don't want to spend any more.

It works, for now, and blows cold, but I'm still hearing chirping noises from the compressor. That's after pulling off the 2nd junkyard compressor, paying $175 for a reman compressor from Napa, buying another accumulator, orifice tube, oil, 3 cans of r134, and flushing the entire disassembled system with alcohol, putting it all back together, pulling a vacuum, and recharging.

The stuff coming out of the condenser really looked clean, but I'm guessing there must be some kind of blockage or something. The 2nd orifice tube was really dirty again, with a piece of metal or paint on it. What did I do wrong?

 

[4x4junkie]

You've apparently got debris in there still (probably from one or more of those junk compressors you had on it). That debris will quickly ruin any new compressor you put on as well.

Only way to get rid of it all is to replace the condenser and thoroughly flush the entire rest of the system. The serpentine-flow design of the condenser leaves no good way to effectively flush everything out of all the little pockets and crannys inside of it.

Also, I'm not sure alcohol is all that great of a solvent for flushing, I've always heard to use lacquer thinner if you don't have actual flushing solvent on hand.

 

[slownis]

You've apparently got debris in there still (probably from one or more of those junk compressors you had on it). That debris will quickly ruin any new compressor you put on as well.

Only way to get rid of it all is to replace the condenser and thoroughly flush the entire rest of the system. The serpentine-flow design of the condenser leaves no good way to effectively flush everything out of all the little pockets and crannys inside of it.

Also, I'm not sure alcohol is all that great of a solvent for flushing, I've always heard to use lacquer thinner if you don't have actual flushing solvent on hand.

Well, the first time I made the mistake of asking the Napa folks, who quickly hit me for a $35 bottle of something made specifically for flushing A/C. We also completely removed the condensor and tilted it back and forth to try and empty it out. The stuff coming out by the time we were done looked very clean. The second time I took my mechanic friend's advice, who used to rebuild A/C compressors, and got a $6 can of Denatured Alcohol. Anywho, I don't think its the flushing matierial thats the problem, I think its as you said, unflushable gunk in the system.

 

[4x4junkie]

You might check this place out:
http://www.autoacforum.com/categories.cfm?catid=2

I found it to be an excellent source of info before I converted my '90 BII over to R-134a. Almost all my questioned were already answered without me even having to post.