'85 Factory AC System -- How to Repair

[ford4wd08]

I think that a new condensor is worth it, and then all you would lack is the three hoses and you would have everything being new*** that touches the freon, except the evaporator. The evaporator is probably the easiest component to flush, so unless it's got a leak I'm good with reusing it.
*** "New" these days ain't like what "new" used to be, but at least you have a warranty on new parts.

Gauge sets and a vac pump can likely be rented from the "big box" parts stores, if you have any close by. On mine, in recent years, I just used a local shop to suck 'em down and shoot 'em. When I have to deal with an AC system next time, I'll bite the bullet and buy a set of new gauges, and just rent the pump. My old R12 gauges is an antique now.

I might ask the guy who did my AC on my house if he will do it, I think he does cars as well.

How do you determine the correct amount of oil in the system for the compressor?

 

[ford4wd08]

I only see 2 hoses listed by 4 seasons, one liquid and one suction.

Are there 2 liquid hoses going to the compressor? One from the dryer to the compressor, then one to the condenser coil?

I have three hoses total on this system it appears.

 

[Shran]

I fixed the AC in my stepside truck last fall...basically replaced everything, I think IF those parts are available for a given vehicle, the best way is just to replace everything. I end up breaking something just about every time I touch AC in an old vehicle, even if I'm careful, especially the evaporator core...those things are made of glass, I swear.

As far as oil goes, I usually just google "1985 Bronco II AC oil capacity" or something like that. Looks like yours holds 10oz of oil and 48oz of refrigerant.

I have a really nice vacuum pump that I suck them down with and just go by the book for refrigerant... 48oz equal four little cans, spray it in and call it good, I don't use my manifold gauges if the system is empty and I know how much is supposed to go in it.

Be aware that some new compressors come filled with oil - you will need to drain that out and add the proper amount instead of adding more on top of that.

 

[RobbieD]

I just went by the factory recommendations on how much, and how to distribute it. I can look that up for you. You'll need PAG-46 oil, not the ester oil that was used in the old R12 system. These two don't mix- that's another reason I like using all new parts, besides the flushed evaporator.

I have three hoses total on this system it appears.

Yes. There's the small one between the condenser and drier. The one from the evaporator to the compressor (suction) and the third goes from the compressor to the condenser.

 

[ford4wd08]

I fixed the AC in my stepside truck last fall...basically replaced everything, I think IF those parts are available for a given vehicle, the best way is just to replace everything. I end up breaking something just about every time I touch AC in an old vehicle, even if I'm careful, especially the evaporator core...those things are made of glass, I swear.

As far as oil goes, I usually just google "1985 Bronco II AC oil capacity" or something like that. Looks like yours holds 10oz of oil and 48oz of refrigerant.

I have a really nice vacuum pump that I suck them down with and just go by the book for refrigerant... 48oz equal four little cans, spray it in and call it good, I don't use my manifold gauges if the system is empty and I know how much is supposed to go in it.

Be aware that some new compressors come filled with oil - you will need to drain that out and add the proper amount instead of adding more on top of that.

For the cost, I'm debating on the EVAP coil as well, appears to be only about 50 bucks.

It is definitely some cash to drop, but not terrible if I can do the work myself.

 

[ford4wd08]

I just went by the factory recommendations on how much, and how to distribute it. I can look that up for you. You'll need PAG-46 oil, not the ester oil that was used in the old R12 system. These two don't mix- that's another reason I like using all new parts, besides the flushed evaporator.



Yes. There's the small one between the condenser and drier. The one from the evaporator to the compressor (suction) and the third goes from the compressor to the condenser.

I think the hoses I see are from the drier to condenser and drier to compressor. What about the other hose to the compressor?

Also, where does the orifice tube actually install in all of this? Sorry for all the questions, still a newb with this AC system lol.

 

[ford4wd08]

The two hoses I am showing available on Rock Auto are these.

More Information for FOUR SEASONS 55600

More Information for FOUR SEASONS 55711

 

[Shran]

The orifice tube will probably be in the bottom port on the evap coil. It's just kinda pushed in there... take note of which direction it goes when you take your system apart and put it back together the same way.

 

[ford4wd08]

Here is a shopping cart I have at RockAuto currently.

I think it has about everything I would need minus one hose that I can't seem to find in their catalog. (and refrigerate of course)

RockAuto | All The Parts Your Car Will Ever Need

Auto Parts for Your Vehicle at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

 

[RobbieD]

A new evaporator would give you an "all new" system, but it will add some complexity to the job in changing it out.

I think that you can definitely do the work yourself, especially after tackling what you have so far on this truck.

and just go by the book for refrigerant... 48oz equal four little cans, spray it in and call it good, I don't use my manifold gauges if the system is empty and I know how much is supposed to go in it.

Be aware that some new compressors come filled with oil - you will need to drain that out and add the proper amount instead of adding more on top of that.

That's good advice. You can definitely shoot a virgin system by weight, and do check the compressor for shipping with oil.

Hoses-
The 55600 is the high pressure liquid line between the evaporator and drier. The 55711 is the suction hose between the evaporator and compressor. It looks like the third hose isn't available from 4Seasons; it's the high pressure from the compressor to the condenser.

And yes, the orifice just slides in the lower evap tube.

 

[ford4wd08]

A new evaporator would give you an "all new" system, but it will add some complexity to the job in changing it out.

I think that you can definitely do the work yourself, especially after tackling what you have so far on this truck.



That's good advice. You can definitely shoot a virgin system by weight, and do check the compressor for shipping with oil.

Hoses-
The 55600 is the high pressure liquid line between the evaporator and drier. The 55711 is the suction hose between the evaporator and compressor. It looks like the third hose isn't available from 4Seasons; it's the high pressure from the compressor to the condenser.

And yes, the orifice just slides in the lower evap tube.

I know getting to the evap coil is a job as you have to split the housing on the firewall. I might just flush it, just have to make up my mind.

Now the question is where to find that third hose. I could reuse if it didn't leak and I absolutely had to, but I would prefer to replace it.

 

[Shran]

You can definitely do it yourself. The ONE most important, essential thing you absolutely need is a vacuum pump (and I forgot to mention that I do use my manifold gauges there to make sure it holds vacuum.) You could even have a shop vacuum it down and fill it after you've replaced everything... or rent/borrow the tools. Not worth buying them for this one job.

FWIW I don't use my gauges in this specific situation because they hold a little bit of refrigerant in the hoses, which you lose and have to factor into your fill. It's easier to just empty four cans instead of trying to monkey with 1/3 of a 5th one...or whatever.. total different situation if you're filling by weight from a larger bottle though.

Changing the evap coil is pretty easy. Just remove the whole HVAC plenum from the firewall and disassemble from there. It's only like four nuts to take it off... easier if you remove the wheel well liner on the passenger side.

 

[RobbieD]

Here is a shopping cart I have at RockAuto currently.

I think it has about everything I would need minus one hose that I can't seem to find in their catalog. (and refrigerate of course)

RockAuto | All The Parts Your Car Will Ever Need

Auto Parts for Your Vehicle at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

I don't think that you'll need the valve core kit, but the o-ring kit would be good in case you get shorted (most new parts should include the o-rings associated with them). Your drier looks to include a new low pressure switch, so that's covered.

It looks like you'll have to transfer the manifolds from the old compressor to the new. If so, no big deal. There's o-rings under them, so the o-ring kit is a good idea. You'll need all-new GREEN o-rings throughout the system.

If it were me, I sure would try to find that third hose.

Don't forget the belt!

Also, when you do the condenser changing part, that would be a perfect time to add your transmission cooler.

BTW- good job on the OD switch on your tranny.

And, fix that damn wiring! : )

 

[ford4wd08]

I don't think that you'll need the valve core kit, but the o-ring kit would be good in case you get shorted (most new parts should include the o-rings associated with them). Your drier looks to include a new low pressure switch, so that's covered.

It looks like you'll have to transfer the manifolds from the old compressor to the new. If so, no big deal. There's o-rings under them, so the o-ring kit is a good idea. You'll need all-new GREEN o-rings throughout the system.

If it were me, I sure would try to find that third hose.

Don't forget the belt!

Also, when you do the condenser changing part, that would be a perfect time to add your transmission cooler.

BTW- good job on the OD switch on your tranny.

And, fix that damn wiring! : )

The wiring is "fixed" just needs to be hidden lol. I leave slack on all my new wires I run because nothing aggravates me more than short wires when I'm trying to fix something.

Back to the AC, I've been looking for that 3rd hose, but not seeing anyone who has it. Any advice on other places to look?

 

[RobbieD]

Not off the top of head on the hose. Try Bronco Graveyard and LMC, and if no go there, may your Google Fu be strong. I'll look around when I get a chance.

Respectfully, Sir, a good wiring job needs to finished with nice, tasteful looming, not "hidden", and proudly displayed for all the world to admire.

And nothing aggravates me more, than shorted wires and magic smoke escaping.

Good luck, man! I'm sure we'll be talkin'.