a/c line routing

[eric486]

I was just wondering if anyone could help me out with how a/c lines are routed on a 96 ranger 3.0l. I've got it all figured out except the suction line going into the compressor. Does it happen to split the delivery and return fuel lines? A pic would be very appreciated, but just a couple minutes of your time would work great! Thanks in advance!

 

[Ranger44]

You notice that the line is bolted to the back of the compressor right? With one bolt. It's not one line, but a manifold simply pressed against the back of the A/C compresssor. There are 2 seperate holes that have an O-ring each. One being Low pressure (lp) vapor and the other being high pressure(hp) vapor.

The hp vapor line leads to the condensor (which is in front of the radiator). The condensor turns the hp vapor into a high pressure liquid. From the condensor the line leads up to the Heater box.

Along that path it runs the hp liquid refrigerant across the fixed orfice tube, which regulates the amount of refrigerent that enters the evaporator. The evap is in the heater box. The now lp liquid enters the evap where the liquid "evaporates" and turns back into a vapor. ( This is what gives the cool feeling of A/C).

Anyhow, it then passes through the Accumulator(which you'll see mounted on the heater box. It's a cylinder looking thing). This gives any liquid that hasn't changed into a vapor yet, a chance to turn into a vapor before reaching the compressor again. Compressors and liquid don't like to try and compress liquid. Ever here of hydrolock? There is also a desecant bag in there. (It's the little bag that you fing in your new shoes or beef jerky that reads "don't eat"). The desecant romoves any moisture from the refrigerant.( As water and refrigerant tend to be very corrosive when mixed).

Once the vapor leaves the accumulator ( up on the heater box) it'll travel down the line ( this line is usually insulated) and travels back behind the engine, back around to the back of the A/C Compressor again.

 

[eric486]

I understand all of that. The low pressure vapor line coming into the compressor is also called a suction line by some. I know that both lines bolt to the back of the compressor, i was just hoping someone could aide me in the exact routing. I am adding a/c onto my truck that came stock without it. I purchased a complete assembly off of a totaled vehicle, so i wasn't able to remove it myself and make notes of how everything was ran. I know some consider this risky as far as if it will work right, but i'm willing to try the cheapest way possible, on my vehicle, first. Thank you for the great information though!

 

[wvcat]

I am used to newer 3.0's. On the 98 up 3.0's the suction line goes across the front of the engine. There is a mounting bolt under the alt. Its kinda a pita to get in there because the hard line doesn't seem to want to cooperate...lol.

 

[eric486]

Thank you.