Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

Mulder on Fri June 07, 2013 6:01 PM

Year: 2000
Make: Ford
Model: f150
Engine Size: 4.2l
Refrigerant Type: 134a

My truck has developed a leak, that I was able to track down to the one of the hoses. The assembly has 2 hoses, 1 goes from the compressor to the accumulator and the other goes to the condenser. Since the truck already has 250k miles I decided to go cheap and order a non OEM part. The hose I got is a GPD brand. I tried putting it on last night, started out bolting it up to the accumulator, then the condenser and then the compressor. The problem was that I could not get it to reach the compressor because to reach the right angle the metal portion of the hoses need to be where the radiator hose is located.

I was angry with myself for not taking pictures before taking off the original hose and not remembering if the radiator hose should have gone through the two hoses or over, etc. I finally ended up unbolting the other ends and starting at the compressor. However it didn't make much of a difference since to get the fitting to bolt on to the compressor it still interferes with the radiator hose.

I called the company that I ordered the part from to get a refund but they are telling me that since I tried to install it they can't refund my money. They said that they have sold multiple sets of these hoses and have never had a complaint. And it's possible that my truck is a special case, etc. Just really frustrated trying to deal with these people, they say the can't take it back if it shows signs of being installed because they won't be able to resell it. I told them it doesn't fit therefore they shouldn't be reselling it to start with.

Has anyone else had problems with GPD hoses or other GPD parts? I had never heard of the brand but they only offered the Motorcraft and GPD.

TRB on Fri June 07, 2013 6:45 PM

Bummer.

We would have exchanged the hose at ACkits.com.

Any hose can be defective from manufacturing. GPD parts are fine for the most part. But most stuff from all the major importers have a chance of a defect now and then. Same hose is used on 99 to 01 so I doubt this is a case of have the wrong item.

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Mulder on Fri June 07, 2013 6:54 PM

It's strange to me that this hose says for prior to 5/24/2000. I checked and verified that my truck was manufactured 03/2000. Motorcraft lists only one hose for all 2000 4.2l models.

Edited: Fri June 07, 2013 at 7:01 PM by Mulder

TRB on Fri June 07, 2013 7:00 PM

Says that on 2000, but also is used on 99 & 01.

Either way vendor should make it right. We all have absorbed the cost of an item to help out a customer. But that's just my opinion.

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TRB on Fri June 07, 2013 7:17 PM

Four Seasons crosses to the 2000 GPD number.

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TRB on Fri June 07, 2013 7:19 PM

Buyers Guide.

FORD F-150 (03-99)
FORD F-150 HERITAGE (04)

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WyrTwister on Sat June 08, 2013 5:36 AM

Well since you already have the hose & they will not take it back , can you possiably get creative & re-route the radiator hose ? That might be cheaper than buying another A/C hose set ?

God bless
Wyr

iceman2555 on Sat June 08, 2013 1:51 PM

Go to www.4s.com, enter into the online catalogue, enter your vehicle info, click on hose assemblies. You are looking for the 'suction-discharge' assembly. Click on the part number and a photo will be presented. Check the actual physical elements of the hose as compared to yours. Determine if they are identical. If so, then there is a routing issue that you need to address. If not it is a boxing issue and should be rectified by the seller.
Good luck.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

Mulder on Mon June 10, 2013 1:33 PM

The problem is where it interferes with the radiator hose is right where the hose meets the thermostat housing so there is not a lot of wiggle room. I did verify that the part number on the bag is correct and that the part looks like the pictured part on their site and also looks identical to the part on the www.4s.com site. Problem is looking identical isn't good enough if it doesn't fit. I've sent them pictures, waiting to hear back.

Of all of the parts that I've ordered over the years I just never figured that there would be a fitment issue with a hose, at least not one that's mostly rubber.

Mulder on Sun June 16, 2013 11:52 PM

Quick update: I sent them pictures of my attempt to install the hose and the problem with the lines not being shaped correctly. They sent them onto the manufacturer who agreed that there was a problem with the part I received. They have now agreed to accept a return for a refund. In the mean time I picked up a Motorcraft hose set and it went on quickly with no problems.

iceman2555 on Mon June 17, 2013 11:46 AM

Glad to hear positive results. Often times posters do not respond to 'fixes'. It is great to know what actually repaired the vehicle. It is always possible for parts to be inventoried incorrectly....and most reputable companies will honor their warranties. Glad GPD stepped up. Spoke with a friend who is a GPD SMGR and he had no serious instances of a problem with your part number. But things happen, parts are put in the incorrect packaging....numbers are transposed....S#%t happens......
Thanks for the response.


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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson