Air conditioner

2003 FORD F-150
200,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JVILLARREAL28
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A/C air on max A/C will not go lower than 72°F. Checked pressure's, high side pressure increases and activates hp blow off valve. Checked office tube, no excess debris. Pressure washed condenser Coil two times. Suction pressure running about 45-50 psi. Looks like I have a restriction but unable to locate.
Jun 2, 2018 at 1:54 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

What is the high side pressure and low side pressures while running?

how much Freon did you put in the system??

Roy

Capacity 33 oz (0.94 kg).

How does the dryer feel while it is running?

1. Visual inspection
Open the hood and visually inspect the heating and air conditioning systems for the following:
^ Coolant reservoir for correct coolant level.
^ Heater hoses for deterioration or loose connections.
^ Radiator and condenser for debris or damaged fins restricting airflow, loose mounting or connections.
^ Accessory drive belt(s) and cooling fan(s) for wear or physical damage.
^ Refrigerant lines and connections for physical damage or loose connections.
^ Compressor for physical damage or loose connections.
^ Suction accumulator/drier for physical damage or loose connections.
^ Wiring and connectors for excessive wear, loose or damaged connections, or incorrect routing.

2. A/C refrigerant analysis
^ Carry out air conditioning refrigerant analysis.
^ If the refrigerant falls the analysis, discontinue diagnosis and make recommendations for repairs.
^ If the refrigerant passes the analysis, carry out the air conditioning system check.

3. Air conditioning system check
^ Connect manifold gauge set or charging station with gauges to refrigerant system.
^ With the vehicle in park, parking brake set, thermometer installed in center panel vent, and air conditioning system on and set to MAX A/C, start the engine.
^ Record air refrigerant system pressures while running the engine at 1,500 rpm and allow engine to return to idle.
^ Operate the blower motor in all control positions and check for correct blower speed changes.
^ With the blower motor on HI, operate air discharge mode selector in all positions and check for correct airflow in each position.
^ Operate the temperature blend selector in all positions and check for correct change in discharge temperature. Check the air discharge temperature with the selector in the coolest position and the air conditioning on and set to MAX A/C to determine if the air discharge temperature is acceptable for the current ambient air temperature.
^ Carry out the EATC self-test (if applicable). See: Heating and Air Conditioning > Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes > Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Module Self-Test

If the refrigerant system pressures were low, carry out the refrigerant system leak test.

4. Refrigerant system leak test
^ Use either an Ultraviolet (UV) or an electronic leak detector to check for leaks at all refrigerant lines, connections, and components.

After all tests have been completed, report all findings and recommended repairs to your service advisor before carrying out further diagnostic procedures.
Jun 2, 2018 at 2:11 PM
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JVILLARREAL28
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The high pressure was running 200-250. I put in 33 oz of 134a. I see what looks like a traditional driver but online I see the accumulator is considered the drier. What I believe is the drier on the liquid line is very hot to touch. The coolant is gray and murky in color but at the appropriate level.
Jun 2, 2018 at 4:41 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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What was the low side pressure?

Roy
Jun 2, 2018 at 4:43 PM
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JVILLARREAL28
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40-50psi.
Jun 2, 2018 at 4:58 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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That is not good.

The low side should be 25-30 lbs and rock solid. At 40-50 lbs the Freon is flooding the evaporator and very little cooling will result.

Is the cooling fan working? That is critical to lower the high side pressure.

It already looks like you need an expansion valve and a dryer to start.

Roy
Jun 2, 2018 at 5:01 PM
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JVILLARREAL28
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Yes the fan is working. I have attached a picture of what I believe is the drier. How do you remove and install the drier? It looks crimped. Is there a special tool?
Jun 2, 2018 at 5:12 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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That is not the dryer.

I attached a picture for you. It is bolted to the firewall and has a low pressure switch mounted on it.

It is part of the low side line.

Roy
Jun 3, 2018 at 4:44 AM
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JVILLARREAL28
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Okay, the accumulator/drier and orifice tube to start. Will do. Thank you for your assistance and time.
Jun 3, 2018 at 6:54 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Glad to help. Feel free to follow up if you have any other questions.

Roy
Jun 3, 2018 at 6:56 AM