What type of A/C do I have?

[92XLT.Mark]

I own a 1992 Ranger xlt 4.0, A/C stoped blowing cold air a few years ago. The truck has 136,000 on it. Its from florida and the A/C was used all the time every day. There's no leaks and everything works fine...do I just need to buy one of these?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Quest-17-oz-of-R134a-and-2-oz-of-Sub-Zero-A-C-booster-with-shelf-saving-dispenser/_/N-261q?itemIdentifier=532242_0_0_

 

[92XLT.Mark]

ttt?

 

[Tominator]

That's what I'd try first.

If the lines have ever been off you'd need to replace the receiver dryer and pull a vacuum, but it's normal for refrigerate to evaporate through the microscopic holes as a result of aging.

Keep us posted on how it works out.

 

[adsm08]

Lets back up and use a hair of logic.

You say there are no leaks. If there are no leaks, why would adding refrigerant that (allegedly) hasn't leaked out help fix it?

First you need to find out if the compressor is even kicking on.

My final thought on the matter is that A/C seems simple. It is actually pretty complex. You don't seem to know enough to go about fixing it yourself.

 

[Tominator]

Again, the refrigerant system's hoses are porous. Over time the pressure inside WILL escape. That is NORMAL.

Depending on how much pressure is in the system the compressor might not kick on, but many times I've jumpered the + wire and charged the system.

No, it won't last a few years like new, but it will get him through the summer if this works.

Damn techie money grubber you!

 

[adsm08]

Again, the refrigerant system's hoses are porous. Over time the pressure inside WILL escape. That is NORMAL.

Depending on how much pressure is in the system the compressor might not kick on, but many times I've jumpered the + wire and charged the system.

No, it won't last a few years like new, but it will get him through the summer if this works.

Damn techie money grubber you!

I understand that a certain amount of loss is considered normal, but it has been my practical experience that this effect rarely allows for enough to escape to stop the system from working at all, if the system is charged with the correct refrigerant. It never allows it to happen suddenly like the OP seems to describe. There is a slow loss of performance and has the system working poorly enough that the owner usually gets it checked out before it reaches the point he is at.

 

[Tominator]

Yep! Sounds to me like he just got it. History of the symptoms is unknown.

 

[92XLT.Mark]

Yep! Sounds to me like he just got it. History of the symptoms is unknown.

yep, your correct I just got the truck. Got it last summer. The truck has 136,000 miles on it now...

Before I got it, it sat in my granparends garage for a few years, before I got ahold of it they took it to a shop and had everything look over and replace if needed to be.

The heat works wonderfull nice and hot for the winter, blower motor runs good, every setting works defrost, floor, panel, ect. Its just that theres no cold air just whatever the air temp is outside is what blows through.

I took the little cap off the a/c receiver drier where you would put that can of R134a stuff, pressed down on the nosel and nothing came out.

also my compresor doesn't engage when I turn the a/c on max with the button pressed on.

 

[killj0y]

You have a leak you have to fix it or spend unneeded money on continuously refilling it.

 

[exbass94]

You're all forgetting that this truck is a 1992, which means it's an R12 system. You need to check if it's been converted to R134a already. If it hasn't you need to either convert it or start looking for some hard to find, expensive R12.

 

[killj0y]

All the more reason to fix the leak imo

 

[shane96ranger]

You're all forgetting that this truck is a 1992, which means it's an R12 system. You need to check if it's been converted to R134a already. If it hasn't you need to either convert it or start looking for some hard to find, expensive R12.

^This. If it was converted by a professional, it should have a sticker on the A/C box near the firewall, or on the radiator support. Another way to tell is by the fittings.

EDIT: The sticker will look similar to this.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You're all forgetting that this truck is a 1992, which means it's an R12 system. You need to check if it's been converted to R134a already. If it hasn't you need to either convert it or start looking for some hard to find, expensive R12.

R12 substitutes are available for small problems (we use "Freeze 12"), if you have to replace much you might as well convert.

 

[92XLT.Mark]

hey is it safe to buy the r-134a stuff, and the adapter fittings and use that?

and no it was never converted from an r12 to r134a set up.
How much would that probly cost me?

everything looks to be is fine shape, also the Compressor won't turn on. Looking at buying a new compressor for $185.00. It says "its R12 - R134a compatable

 

[exbass94]

It looks like the adaptor fittings are already installed, so the truck probably has been converted. If you're very low on refrigerant, the compressor is not SUPPOSED to turn on. You probably don't need a new compressor. I would replace the orifice tube. If the old one has lots of metal shavings on it, you'll probably need a compressor among other things. If it looks good, just put a new one in. Replace the accumulator (add some Ester oil to it, and wait until you're about to vacuum and recharge before instaling). Remove the compressor, drain the oil from it, and add some fresh Ester oil to it. It is a good idea to replace all the O-rings. Then vacuum and recharge.

I just did this job a few days ago, and my vent temps get down to 32 degrees.