94 Ranger - Do I have an AC leak or what??

[4x4junkie]

Or do I need to find a set of 'real' gauges?

This (from the very beginning).


Might I suggest you spend some time searching and reading over here on this forum, as it appears there may be a number of basics you should probably review before you get too far along on this. Lots of information available on that site (check their Tips, procedures & FAQ section to start)

 

[press 1 for english]

This (from the very beginning).


Might I suggest you spend some time searching and reading over here on this forum, as it appears there may be a number of basics you should probably review before you get too far along on this. Lots of information available on that site (check their Tips, procedures & FAQ section to start)

Don't waste your time trying to help this guy, I give up trying to help him.
But I will post this link http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/June04/tech.htm

 

[fordforlife]

You need a set of the right gauges.

 

[dorough]

Thanks 4x4 and fordforlife. Like I said before, I'm trying to learn and your answers (without the sarcasm others have used) are very helpful. Press 1, cram it up your butt and go find another forum to insult people.

 

[press 1 for english]

Thanks 4x4 and fordforlife. Like I said before, I'm trying to learn and your answers (without the sarcasm others have used) are very helpful. Press 1, cram it up your butt and go find another forum to insult people.

The first thread in this section explains A/C and is quite good but you obviously didn't see or understand it......A/C 101.
A/C is not like changing spark plugs, air filters, changing oil or plug wires....you need to know what you are doing and have the proper equipment......leak detector, gauge manifold, vacuum pump and the knowledge of what parts to buy. You'll be back on here after you screw something up.
I hope you don't intend on working on a home 410a system where the head pressures are 450-550 psi in the summer because you could get hurt. I may not think you are the brightest bulb in the box but I wouldn't want to see you get hurt.

 

[dorough]

The first thread in this section explains A/C and is quite good but you obviously didn't see or understand it......A/C 101.
A/C is not like changing spark plugs, air filters, changing oil or plug wires....you need to know what you are doing and have the proper equipment......leak detector, gauge manifold, vacuum pump and the knowledge of what parts to buy. You'll be back on here after you screw something up.
I hope you don't intend on working on a home 410a system where the head pressures are 450-550 psi in the summer because you could get hurt. I may not think you are the brightest bulb in the box but I wouldn't want to see you get hurt.

A much more helpful reply. Thank you.

 

[v8318cid]

The gauge that comes with most of these off the shelf kits is only useful for measuring the low pressure side. It cannot be adapted to fit the high pressure side, nor is the hose rated for the pressures. You are best suited to finding a set of manifold gauges or having someone read the pressures for you. Also, the pressures on the A/C system when powered off will reach 100 psi or higher depending on the outside temperature and the level of charge in the system. Using a regular gauge set you should see the pressures equalize on both high and low around 100 to 120 psi once the system is shut down and allowed to stabilize. This is normal. If the pressures don't equalize, or if they are abnormally low (say, around 50 psi) and the system was not running during a fairly cool day (75F or lower), the system could be undercharged/leaking.

 

[Junkyardexpress]

haynes heating and airconditioning manuel will give you diagnosis info as well in the back it tells you pressures and charge amounts and oil capacity and my ranger was leaking around the were the accumulator mount wraps around the inlet line of the evaporator.

 

[killj0y]

You really need a set of gauges an ok set will set you back about 40 to 100 bucks depending where you get them. But generally 40-45 psi on the low side and no higher than 225-250 on the high side is what you should see, obviously the high side will read higher than normal while parked but putting a big fan in front of the grill to simulate driving conditions, or pouring a little water on the condenser can help with more accurate readings. What your mainly looking at is the psi when the compressor is engaged! Remember over charging is very dangerous, also it will decrease efficiency! Going over just a few psi will cause it to not cool! Your best bet is to get some tools for the job at hand and read up on this, or just try one of the refrigerants with dye and get a kit to spot it. Otherwise you will never find that leak.

 

[helpme]

Compressor not engaging at all.

Can that be low (or no) freon?
Thanks.

 

[killj0y]

What do you mean?

 

[helpme]

What I mean is that is there a pressure switch located somewhere that inhibits the compressor clutch from engaging if there is no freon in the system.
Thanks.

 

[killj0y]

Yes there is, most every vehicle has one. It will shut off the compressor if the pressure is inadequate to save the compressor from oil starvation.