A/C Recharge - methodology

[Erich]

I wanted to recharge my A/C system but I'm not sure how to do it ^^*. I bought a rechrage kit from Advance Auto Parts ($19.97) and located what I think is the correct valve. My guess is the one situated in front of the barrery just behind the passenger side headlamp assembly. There a small black dust cap on it. I attempted to use my recharge kit but was thwarted by the unusual design of that valve. Is it the correct one or am I trying to rechrage something else by doing that?

 

[Sin City SHO]

Erich

The inlet valve you are looking at is the HI side valve and shouldnt be messed with the one you are looking for is next to the passanger firewall behind the ECC test portunder a plastic shield. You would notice that the kit you have will not fit the fitting because it is larger in size.

PS I just went round and round with an AC issue and should now be deemed AC certified

 

[Erich]

Well, I gave that a try and it seemed to do something. However, I also noticed that the A/C clutch is only engaging for about a second. Also, there is no cool air yet. Any ideas?

 

[shopartsnw]

I would lay out a few assumptions I am making:

1) you currently have a R-134a system. If you are trying to convert from R-12 to R-134a, let me know and I will give you mroe detailed instructions.

2) You are just a little low on charge and did not lose the whole charge or open up the system. Again, let me know if this is the case.

If you just need to add a little R-134a, the correct port is up on the firewall under the plastic cover if it is still there. Make sure you follow instruction. Never turn the can upside down or you will put liquid in the system and the compressor will not like it. Also, wear leather or heavy rubber gloves in case you get refrigerant on you. It evaporates very quickly and can give you a bad case of frostbite.

If you have any other questions let me know. I am certified (or certifiable in some cases) and have the equipment for R-12 and R-134a. The SHO is not a lot of fun to work on, but I have the scars to prove it can be done .

 

[Erich]

It's a R-134a system stock.

I made sure not to let the can go sideways or anything funky but it's still being stupid. My biggest concern is the A/C clutch engagement.

Frostbite isn't an issue. I rock.

 

[epereira]

Gents thank you for the insight of how to do the AC gas refill. I am in th process of tring to do the same for my 93 ATX but do not know what type of gas to get. Please let me know what type will be need thanx

Eon

 

[Erich]

There is a sticker on the front of the engine compartment that tells you what kind of refrigerant your engine uses. It'll be either R-12 or R-134a. R-12 is an obsolete ctype but is still used in some older cars. I can't recall exactly when they made the swtich, however.

 

[shopartsnw]

Erich,

First, go to the shotimes.com FAQ area and look up setting the A/C clutch gap. If the gap is too wide (very easy to check) you may have it solved there. The air gap should be between .021 and .036. Use a feeler gauge and come straight down with the car off.

If your system was WAAAAY down, this could also explain it. When there is less than about 40psi in the system, the clutch will not engage, so you can't suck in the new R-134a from the can. It would help if you had a gauge set to see what the pressure was. If it is over 40psi, it might be a bad low pressure cycling switch, if it is under 40psi, you are probably just low on refrigerant. You can help speed the addition of R134a into the system by using a hair dryer to warm the can. Do not overheat it, but it will keep the can warm and vaporize refrigerant into the system. Once you reach the magical 40psi, the compressor will stay on longer and it will really start to pull the R-134a in.

 

[NWGRN94MTX]

93 should be the old R-12 system, Ford changed to R-134 in the 1994 model year. Double check the placard's though someone could have converted it to R-134 or it could be a "factory freak".

Gents thank you for the insight of how to do the AC gas refill. I am in th process of tring to do the same for my 93 ATX but do not know what type of gas to get. Please let me know what type will be need thanx

Eon

 

[Mr Anonymous]

You can force the clutch to stay on to help charging by disconnecting the connector from the pressure cycling switch on top of the drier and shorting the two pins in the connector together.