- Joined
- Aug 6, 2007
- Messages
- 3,909
- Reaction score
- 1,798
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Macon/Fort Valley, GA
- Vehicle Year
- 1999
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- V8
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
Background: Just finished up a V8 swap from a 2000 Explorer into my 1999 Ranger. At purchase I thought the Explorer AC was working, but it was a cool (or cold) day and the EACT wouldn't let me set the target temperature lower than 60. Apparently I was wrong and I think what I felt was actually just cold outside air coming through the vents. After swapping the complete ac system over intact (without opening and discharging it) I discovered that it wasn;t working, and the compressor clutch wouldn't cycle. Turns out the system was practically empty, not enough pressure to close the low side switch. So new o-rings, new orifice tube, and new receiver dryer were installed. Turns out I also have a bad compressor because aftger vacuuming and adding an initial charge, with the compressor running it won't build pressure on the high side. We did check, the system is air tight, no leaks. Held 16" of vacuum for around 12 hours before getting a stronger pump to reach the 30" mark.
First, there is some conflict over what direction the orifice tube is supposed to install.
Dad pulled the old tube out when I wasn't looking. I installed the new tube without consulting him. More studying that night lead me to believe that I installed it backwards. He checked the next morning and says it was the same direction as the old one. That would be with the Red end of the tube towards the evaporator core (dash). I highly suspect the system has been opened previously and likely not reassembled correctly.
This morning after further consulting the internet and carious AC threads, I'm almost positive that the Red end is supposed to be towards the condenser (radiator support). Refridgerant trivels from the condenser to the evaporator, so that is where the screen/filter should be to catch debris and such. Also it sounds like there is an arrow on the tube that should be pointed in direction of flow, it's pointed towards the white end.
I consulted the FSM and it isn't clear on that either. Since I have to re-open the system anyway I'll ask the experts, or atleast phone a friend. What direction is the orifice tube supposed to be installed?
Second is what components to use to fix the compressor problem. My 99 Ranger's AC system was working well. The compressor is the same between the 4.0 and 5.0, just different sized pulleys that can be swapped out. From my reading the 4.0L Ranger condensor should work with the 5.0L hoses if it will clear the radiator. Seems that it might prefered by the 5.0L Explorer crowd since it mounts to the core support instead of the radiator. Any reason to not re-use the 4.0L components?
For consideration with responses, we can do most of the work ourselves. Last time we did it was installing an all new system in a Probe about 15 years ago. I bought a vacuum pump today and we can rent a manifold from local auto parts store, or dad is talking about buying new hoses (or manifold set) to replace his dry rotted ones. Aside from evacuating/recovery of the old freon, we can do the work, just not a lot of experience to draw from. The recovery portion I'll hire out.
First, there is some conflict over what direction the orifice tube is supposed to install.
Dad pulled the old tube out when I wasn't looking. I installed the new tube without consulting him. More studying that night lead me to believe that I installed it backwards. He checked the next morning and says it was the same direction as the old one. That would be with the Red end of the tube towards the evaporator core (dash). I highly suspect the system has been opened previously and likely not reassembled correctly.
This morning after further consulting the internet and carious AC threads, I'm almost positive that the Red end is supposed to be towards the condenser (radiator support). Refridgerant trivels from the condenser to the evaporator, so that is where the screen/filter should be to catch debris and such. Also it sounds like there is an arrow on the tube that should be pointed in direction of flow, it's pointed towards the white end.
I consulted the FSM and it isn't clear on that either. Since I have to re-open the system anyway I'll ask the experts, or atleast phone a friend. What direction is the orifice tube supposed to be installed?
Second is what components to use to fix the compressor problem. My 99 Ranger's AC system was working well. The compressor is the same between the 4.0 and 5.0, just different sized pulleys that can be swapped out. From my reading the 4.0L Ranger condensor should work with the 5.0L hoses if it will clear the radiator. Seems that it might prefered by the 5.0L Explorer crowd since it mounts to the core support instead of the radiator. Any reason to not re-use the 4.0L components?
For consideration with responses, we can do most of the work ourselves. Last time we did it was installing an all new system in a Probe about 15 years ago. I bought a vacuum pump today and we can rent a manifold from local auto parts store, or dad is talking about buying new hoses (or manifold set) to replace his dry rotted ones. Aside from evacuating/recovery of the old freon, we can do the work, just not a lot of experience to draw from. The recovery portion I'll hire out.