The_Epsicle
New Member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2015
- Messages
- 387
- Reaction score
- 2
- Points
- 0
- Location
- State of Boredom (Nebraska)
- Vehicle Year
- 1994
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 4.0 Pushrod V6
- Transmission
- Automatic
- My credo
- All hail the mighty ziptie!
I drive a 1994 Ford Ranger 4.0 with R-134A from the factory. The A/C hasn't worked since I bought this truck in November last year and I figure I might try to repair it myself. Some of you may remember my recent attempt to recharge the system: A/C high pressure gauge line exploded
Anyway I feel like I haven't had enough frostbite yet so I want to try again, I followed a terrible instruction video last time that told me to jump 12 volts directly to the compressor, I now realize that was almost a suicide attempt and I should never, ever do that again. I can't help but feel my failed recharge was only caused by my own stupidity.
1. My manifold gauge exploded because the system couldn't shut off the compressor to avoid the explosion. I should clarify that the line was not harmed, but has always had some surface rust on the inline filter.
2. I did not properly evacuate and pull a vacuum on the system beforehand, the system held a charge before but I did not realize it was mildly charged until I disconnected the compressor to take my valve covers off. This is why the system was completely depressurized at the start of my last recharge attempt.
3. I was not paying attention but walked away from the gauges to check to see if I was getting cold air in the cab(I was), if I had been paying attention I probably could have avoided the explosion.
Because of those three points I am considering taking my truck to an A/C shop to have them properly evacuate and pull a vacuum on the system then I will recharge it. I know I need to replace the o-rings on the compressor(because they're missing) but other than that I don't believe I have any leaks. As far as I see a proper recharge is at least worth a shot, but then again I thought it was a good idea to jump 12 volts to the compressor so I figured I'd see if I'm being stupid again before I do this.
Anyway I feel like I haven't had enough frostbite yet so I want to try again, I followed a terrible instruction video last time that told me to jump 12 volts directly to the compressor, I now realize that was almost a suicide attempt and I should never, ever do that again. I can't help but feel my failed recharge was only caused by my own stupidity.
1. My manifold gauge exploded because the system couldn't shut off the compressor to avoid the explosion. I should clarify that the line was not harmed, but has always had some surface rust on the inline filter.
2. I did not properly evacuate and pull a vacuum on the system beforehand, the system held a charge before but I did not realize it was mildly charged until I disconnected the compressor to take my valve covers off. This is why the system was completely depressurized at the start of my last recharge attempt.
3. I was not paying attention but walked away from the gauges to check to see if I was getting cold air in the cab(I was), if I had been paying attention I probably could have avoided the explosion.
Because of those three points I am considering taking my truck to an A/C shop to have them properly evacuate and pull a vacuum on the system then I will recharge it. I know I need to replace the o-rings on the compressor(because they're missing) but other than that I don't believe I have any leaks. As far as I see a proper recharge is at least worth a shot, but then again I thought it was a good idea to jump 12 volts to the compressor so I figured I'd see if I'm being stupid again before I do this.
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