Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

sonofbp on Mon August 26, 2013 2:03 AM

Year: 1997
Make: Ford
Model: Ranger
Engine Size: 2.3
Refrigerant Type: R134
Ambient Temp: 111
Country of Origin: United States

Hello all and thank you in advance for help with this

I'm having some issues with the dealer kit installed on my Ranger.
I am the 3rd owner and the kit was installed at the dealer that the 2nd owner purchased the truck from here in Phoenix, AZ.
It has ran great since I bought the truck two years ago other than some rare short cycling last summer at temps over 105F.
Something I was planning on taking a look at this summer but instead it suffered a fairly catastrophic failure back in June.

This is the kit on the truck:
HOTLINK

The aluminum bracket broke at the bottom rear bolt into the engine block and snapped all other mounting bolts into the block.

Here is an image I sent to a friend about getting the bracket welded:


I now have the system reassembled.
The aluminum fitting on that top hose is now cracked. (Most likely happened when the bracket broke) It's the compressor/condenser hose.

My questions so far:
How much R134 does this system take? (factory is 22oz but I cannot seem to locate the info for this kit on the site)
Can I braze the crack or should I replace just the fitting or the whole damn compressor/condenser line?
Once repaired will I need to evacuate the system in order replenish the R134?
I have an R12 accumulator/drier, how important is it to change it since the previous owner converted to R134?

Currently the compressor clutch does not receive power.
Following the power line from the condenser to the compressor there is power going into the first switch but not coming out.
If I bypass the first switch the second switch is in the same situation, bypass both switches and the compressor kicks on.
(I didn't let it run for more than about a second due to fear of damaging something).
Do these switches need replaced or are they acting as intended? (or will I not know until the system is charged and holding good pressures?)

Again, thank you for any and all assistance. I'm hoping I can learn what is needed and save some much needed $$ getting this repaired myself.

Chick on Mon August 26, 2013 7:20 AM

If you just need that "tab" welded to the aluminum bracket, that should not be a problem..Just find a shop that can weld aluminum.. You live in Phoenix? take a ride over to Arizona Mobile Air 3601 West Clarendon Ave Phone number 602-233-0090
Since they make AC kits, they "May" have a new bracket cheaper than welding the old one.. If the line is cracked, get a new one.. Arizona mobile air can help you with that also.. A call to your local ford dealer might give you the system capacity they used.. It could differ from Factory installed air, but 22 ounce is a good starting point if you can't find out..
Compressor won't come on until the pressure in the system allows the switches to operate.. As you charge the system, it will come on.. If you are going to recharge the system yourself, be sure to pull a deep vacuum and charge into the vacuum..Still on my first cup of coffee, hope I didn't miss anything...Good luck
hope this helps..

Change the accumulator.. Should have been for both refrigerants in 97 anyway, but it's good to change it anyway..
Change the O tube, check for debris, you mentioned catastrophic failure, so flushing the system might be needed if you didn't do that already??

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

Edited: Mon August 26, 2013 at 8:09 AM by Chick

TRB on Mon August 26, 2013 10:36 AM

There are the compressor mount kits we have available.

Power Steering: 7167

Standard Steering: 7156

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When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

Chick on Mon August 26, 2013 10:47 AM

I woke up some since I posted..lol, I think he got the bracket squared away?? But even though it doesn't take a lot of pressure to hold the line into the O ring, my experience has been that cracks only get bigger and the fitting will fail, and usually when you need it most.. You can send an e-mail to info@ackits.com and get a price on a new line (They can also make it), accumulator, O tube and the proper type and amount of oil.. They can help you get back on the road fast.. Do it right and you'll do it once...
Hope this helps..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

Edited: Mon August 26, 2013 at 10:48 AM by Chick

sonofbp on Mon August 26, 2013 4:19 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: Chick
I woke up some since I posted..lol, I think he got the bracket squared away?? But even though it doesn't take a lot of pressure to hold the line into the O ring, my experience has been that cracks only get bigger and the fitting will fail, and usually when you need it most.. You can send an e-mail to info@ackits.com and get a price on a new line (They can also make it), accumulator, O tube and the proper type and amount of oil.. They can help you get back on the road fast.. Do it right and you'll do it once...

Hope this helps..
Thanks for the response!

I sent a quote request to that email address before finding this forum so I should be hearing back soon.

The catastrophic failure was the bracket cutting loose and taking out my timing cover and doing enough damage to my timing belt to make me replace it.
Other than the bracket and the cracked hose end there was no damage to the ac assembly.
Yup, the bracket has been repaired but I am contemplating replacing it with new to avoid any future issues.

How can I tell if my accumulator is universal for both R12 and R134?

sonofbp on Mon August 26, 2013 4:22 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: TRB
There are the compressor mount kits we have available.
Power Steering: 7167
Standard Steering: 7156

Thank you for your response.

I have a few quick questions:
What is the cost on the 7156?
What would the cost be for a replacement compressor/condenser hose?
What would the cost be for refrigerant and oil?

mk378 on Mon August 26, 2013 9:10 PM

You would need to remove the fitting before brazing on it so the hose doesn't burn, at that point it makes more sense to just replace it-- it looks like a standard part. You could potentially reuse the hose rubber if you can stand it being cut off shorter, otherwise replace the rubber and re crimp both ends. Make sure your hose shop uses A/C barrier hose parts not hydraulic stuff. Any receiver you buy now will be 134a compatible, often has a blue label on it stating that.

TRB on Mon August 26, 2013 11:33 PM

Fell free to contact our staff for a quote. I don't really post prices on the forum unless it is a link to the online store.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

sonofbp on Tue August 27, 2013 5:23 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: mk378
You would need to remove the fitting before brazing on it so the hose doesn't burn, at that point it makes more sense to just replace it-- it looks like a standard part. You could potentially reuse the hose rubber if you can stand it being cut off shorter, otherwise replace the rubber and re crimp both ends. Make sure your hose shop uses A/C barrier hose parts not hydraulic stuff. Any receiver you buy now will be 134a compatible, often has a blue label on it stating that.

Thanks for the info.
I was thinking silver solder I've used it before on hydraulic line fittings and just wrapped the crimped part and hose in a cold wet rag.
But you make a valid point so unless the entire hose is sub $40 I'll probably just cut the hose and replace the fitting.
Which part is the receiver, is that another name for the accumulator?


Quote
Originally posted by: TRB
Fell free to contact our staff for a quote. I don't really post prices on the forum unless it is a link to the online store.

Thanks, I'm hoping work takes me near the area tomorrow so I may just stop in.
I sent a request to the info email address before making my initial post here but haven't heard anything so I figured I would see if you had the info.