A/C reply.
1st. I want to thank all those who responded to my question regarding the engine colors. I found the engine block color, Ford Engine Grey, is made by DupliColor as part # DE 1611. Eastwood also sells this color, but it costs a $1.00 more per can, plus Shipping. I have used Duplicolor's Engine enamel, and it holds up great if the surface is clean and primed. I am still chaseing down the proper mix for the gold paint for the intake, valve covers, and timing belt covers. When I get the mix, or a reference number, I will post it for everybody.
Now the A/C problems. An A/C system is a sealed system. It either leaks, or it does not. If it needs a charge, it has a leak. That fine, black, oily, film you find at, or near, connections, or at the front of the compressor, is refrigerant oil that has attracted dirt. You may have a very slight leak that will allow you to charge the system, and have it last a long time. This is often the case. The A/C mechanic should add a small amount (one to two ounces) of refrigerant oil with the charge. Would you add gas to your car, but never any oil? The oil in an A/C system circulates with the refrigerant(gas), and if refrigerant leaks out, so does some oil. Oil can be injected into the system through the low pressure (vacuum) side of the system with a special tool made for this purpose. If you have access to the cans of R-12, you can get cans that contain refrigerant oil. Then you are putting in a small amount of oil with the fresh charge. Check your area for any possible legal problems regarding R-12. Also, keep in mind that obtaining R-12 illeaglely can get you into deep stuff with the FEDS, and also some State governments e.g. California. A/C system pressures can be between 450 and 600 psi, which generates a lot of heat. A lack of oil will destroy an A/C compressor. If anyone out there wants more information about the SHO A/C system, feel free to e-mail me directly, or put it on the forum for all to share. To navel av8tor, keep em straight and level! rangerj
