Air conditioner leak

Tiny
JPRIETZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD RANGER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
Okay, I got this truck two weeks ago. Truck has not been started or moved in ten years. I got the truck running and believe it or not everything is working except for the A/C. I put my gauge on the system and tried to pull a vacuum. It will pull down to -28 but can't hold it. So there is a leak. My question is, is the compressor most likely the cause of the leak or should I just get a kit to replace the compressor, filter dryer and o-rings? Any help would be appreciated.
Saturday, April 20th, 2019 AT 2:52 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

I would add a pound of Freon first to determine the failure. You may have more than one leak.

You need to find the leak before throwing parts at it. I attached a diagram of the system and the leak could be anywhere in that system.

Roy
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Saturday, April 20th, 2019 AT 4:43 PM
Tiny
JPRIETZ
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  • 11 POSTS
Thanks Roy, will add 1lb of 134a along with a leak dye to try to locate the leak(s) tomorrow.
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Saturday, April 20th, 2019 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Saturday, April 20th, 2019 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
JEFF RIETZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Good morning Roy, I added one can of 134a. Would only take half of a can with a vacuum pulled. Bypassed the compressor and ran it to pull the rest of the can. While the compressor was running with one can installed, the high side was running around 150psi and the low was at 0psi. The 134a can was completely frosted. Stopped the engine and began using my refrigerant sniffer. I noticed the compressor had a small leak at the middle were they are joined together and two other spots were there are o-rings. Will be ordering the compressor, filter dryer, o-ring set and new orifice. My questions are as follows. 1. Truck will be used on my RV park and won't be used on the public roads, which color orifice should I use? 2. Is there anything else I should order to replace? 3. Was the zero pressure normal for only one can into the system or what else beside change out the above do I need to due? Thanks in advance, Jeff
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Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 8:24 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Good afternoon,

Okay, 1. I would replace it with what the factory called for. That is how the low side is controlled.

2. Make sure you get some Pag 90 oil. You will need to add 2 ounces into the dryer before installing.

3. No, That is a bad orifice tube.

Roy
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Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
JEFF RIETZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I thought I needed to use PAG 46?
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Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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I have always used 90. You can use 46 if you like but I always used 90.

Roy
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Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 9:14 AM
Tiny
JPRIETZ
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Okay, great. Will use the 90 pag. Parts ordered and will arrive Wednesday. Will replace compressor oil that was shipped and put 3 oz of pay into new compressor, and add 2 oz to the new filler/dryer total of 5 oz. Should any more oil be added, before it goes on a vacuum if so where and how much? You have been a big help Roy.
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Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 3:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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The compressor should have oil in it. You should not add any more than that.

Add 2 ounces into the dryer only. That's it. No more.

Then evacuate the system. Fifteen minutes for each pound of Freon needed.

Roy
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Sunday, April 21st, 2019 AT 3:21 PM
Tiny
JPRIETZ
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Roy, just a update. Installed the compressor and filter dryer, replaced all o-rings, added the oil and pulled a vacuum, let it under a vacuum overnight with no loss of any vacuum and recharged with 30oz and A/C is working perfectly. Thanks for your advice.
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Saturday, April 27th, 2019 AT 6:59 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You're welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Saturday, April 27th, 2019 AT 7:03 PM

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