Dealer Installed A/C System Problems!!!!

[Broncomeat]

Does anyone know anything about dealer installed A/C? I have a 1984 B2 Eddie Bauer and it Seems to have dealer installed A/C. This is a totally different system than the factory A/C, and I am trying to find a wiring diagram, component list, system diagram, etc. The first pic shows that the Accumulator/Dryer is not in the normal place near the Evaporator. Second pic show the actual location of the Accumulator/Dryer by the Condenser. Third pic shows what the Compressor looks like, its different from the factory installed one. (Yes the blue belt is temporary its off of a lawn mower)

 

[Broncomeat]

Also I can't find a pressure switch in the system

 

[RonD]

Well AC systems all work the same way
on or off, compressor clutch either has 12v or it doesn't

In the 1980s they would have added a switch on the dash for 12v on or off to compressor
That 12v should have run thru a pressure switch before going to the compressor
Or they could have added a relay that the switch in the cab activates, so smaller wires could be used into the cab from engine bay, safer, or ground activation of relay, even safer

The no pressure switch thing is odd
System would have used R-12 originally so will be needed to be converted to R-12A which won't take much, unless it was already converted to R-134A, but still not a big deal

Follow the wire from the compressor clutch to see if it goes to a relay or into the cab

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would be tempted to update it with the factory setup if there is much wrong with what you have...

 

[Dirtman]

I'd call the dealer and demand to speak with the service tech who installed it! Or... You know... His ghost...

 

[CrabGuy]

Hopefully your dealer installed AC works better than mine on my 85 Bronco. I did pipeline surveys in dry gypsum soils and so much dust would get sucked into every interior body cavity including the AC vents. Dust would even get between the headliner and roof and cloud up the dome light. It turned out the aftermarket AC the dealer installed would draw air from the cowl and right behind the front wheels because the factory AC cowling intake is sealed. Loved that Bronco, hated the AC.

 

[RonD]

Most older, or non-AC, vehicles, had a re-circulation selector, to close outside air vent and suck in air for the fan/blower from inside the cab
That's what MAX AC does in all AC vehicles, thats the "max" part, AC re-cools already cooled air instead of hotter air from outside
Also keeps dust out

 

[CrabGuy]

Most older, or non-AC, vehicles, had a re-circulation selector, to close outside air vent and suck in air for the fan/blower from inside the cab
That's what MAX AC does in all AC vehicles, thats the "max" part, AC re-cools already cooled air instead of hotter air from outside
Also keeps dust out

Mine was so bad Ford finally took it back at full purchase price credit because they couldn't solve the problem. There was just no means to keep the dust out of the cab with the AC on, no matter what switch position or voodoo curse I would throw at it. It was a company vehicle so I got another new full size Bronco with factory AC, no dust at all. Ford claimed it was caused by the slight vacuum created behind the front mud flaps and the unsealed openings into the cowl area. I didn't care what it was; you couldn't even turn the vent system on without it spitting choking clouds of dust at you that had settled in all the ductwork. Not having good efficient AC in the Bakersfield Summer is a non-starter.

 

[RonD]

Bakersfield!!..........................I spent a week there one night

Is the Alley Cat bar still around, they poured a good drink there........ 30+ years ago

 

[19Walt93]

What does your a/c-heater control look like? That's a factory looking evaporator case, I wonder if someone replaced a bunch of parts with non stock pieces. If the compressor isn't engaging the first thing to check is the fuses. As Ron said, the only power is to the compressor clutch so it shouldn't be too hard to trace 1 wire.

 

[CrabGuy]

Bakersfield!!..........................I spent a week there one night

Is the Alley Cat bar still around, they poured a good drink there........ 30+ years ago

Yep, still there, Guthries Alley Cat, the quintessential Dive Bar. I haven't lived there in 35 years but get down there on biz every so often. All I remember is 'Happiness is Bakersfield in your rear view mirror' when we finally escaped.
'

 

[Broncomeat]

Well AC systems all work the same way
on or off, compressor clutch either has 12v or it doesn't

In the 1980s they would have added a switch on the dash for 12v on or off to compressor
That 12v should have run thru a pressure switch before going to the compressor
Or they could have added a relay that the switch in the cab activates, so smaller wires could be used into the cab from engine bay, safer, or ground activation of relay, even safer

The no pressure switch thing is odd
System would have used R-12 originally so will be needed to be converted to R-12A which won't take much, unless it was already converted to R-134A, but still not a big deal

Follow the wire from the compressor clutch to see if it goes to a relay or into the cab

Well, unfortunately I removed that wire when I removed and rebuilt the engine. I have a wire that I suspect might be the right one, I guess I need to test it with the switch on. I was hoping to find a system diagram so I can understand this specific system before I try to troubleshoot it. I've never seen an A/C system without a pressure switch, what would cause the compressor to cycle on and off?

 

[Broncomeat]

I would be tempted to update it with the factory setup if there is much wrong with what you have...

I may do that if I can't get it to work, because I can't find the parts I have anywhere. But this is what I have and if it works I am going to use it until it wont work any more.

 

[Broncomeat]

I'd call the dealer and demand to speak with the service tech who installed it! Or... You know... His ghost...

Thats the problem with alot of this vehicle, modern Ford techs have no idea how to work on it. (I wouldn't take it to a dealership anyway, I'm too cheap)

 

[Broncomeat]

What does your a/c-heater control look like? That's a factory looking evaporator case, I wonder if someone replaced a bunch of parts with non stock pieces. If the compressor isn't engaging the first thing to check is the fuses. As Ron said, the only power is to the compressor clutch so it shouldn't be too hard to trace 1 wire.

That wire is not there, that"

s why I am looking for a system diagram