Refridgerent question

[metzjim]

Hi all,

New to this site. Have an '07 4 x 2 ranger and really like it. One issue though after 24 months of driving and 35000 miles, I've noticed my airconditioner coolant is down,.....about 1/2 inch below the min. Now I have noticed dropping down slowly over many months. My question is can I expect the system to use like this over time, or do I need to to take to an E&R guy pay moocho dollars for a leak test. Can I get the refridgerent anywhere and top off on my own?

Thanks in advance.

Jim

 

[feellnfroggy]

I believe, but could be wrong, that the newer vehicles all use r134. You can get the ultraviolet or rede leak detector from the auto parts store and the adapters (if necessary) to load it up. The only thing you cant get at the autoparts store is the UV light. But you can get a UV bulb at dollar general. Some of the Refridgerant kits come with a stop leak and leak detection all in one. It didnt work on my wifes car though. She might have a much bigger leak than you too though,

 

[metzjim]

Thank-you sir,

That was quick. I'll ck into that to see if available here in the land of the "frozen chosen" (Canada).

It is irritating to think it is leaking already.

Jim

 

[partsguy84823]

How are you checking the level?

 

[Toms01PSD]

How are you checking the level?

That's my question too...

If you have a food thermometer (like the one you stick in a turkey to tell internal temp) turn the Max A/C on and put it on max blower. Put the thermometer in the center vents and see how cold it is. I had mine down to 31.5 degrees F (about 3 celcius) after recharging it yesterday.

 

[adsm08]

Hi all,

New to this site. Have an '07 4 x 2 ranger and really like it. One issue though after 24 months of driving and 35000 miles, I've noticed my airconditioner coolant is down,.....about 1/2 inch below the min. Now I have noticed dropping down slowly over many months. My question is can I expect the system to use like this over time, or do I need to to take to an E&R guy pay moocho dollars for a leak test. Can I get the refridgerent anywhere and top off on my own?

Thanks in advance.

Jim

I also am interested to know how you are determining the level here since refrigerant is usually measured by weight, not inches. I can also not think of anywhere that Ford has ever put a sight glass of any sort on any A/C system so where would you be seeing it at. Also, don't use any sort of stop leak unless you want to go buy a new compressor, drier, and orifice tube a month later.

 

[partsguy84823]

I also am interested to know how you are determining the level here since refrigerant is usually measured by weight, not inches. I can also not think of anywhere that Ford has ever put a sight glass of any sort on any A/C system so where would you be seeing it at. Also, don't use any sort of stop leak unless you want to go buy a new compressor, drier, and orifice tube a month later.

That was what I was thinking too, I'm wondering if he is looking at the coolant overflow tank, in which case, evaporation can happen, explaining the slightly low level.

+1 on the stop leak...

Oh, and to the OP... WELCOME TO TRS