Ok, so my 05 just isn't cooling like it should. It's running about 55 * . It blows cold but takes awhile to get there. I'm thinking about changing the compressor, accumulator, and orfice tube then a recharge.

The question is should I do an A/C flush first to get the crap out before the new stuff? Or, do a flush after? Or, not worry with a flush , and sling some new parts and go with it?


Yes the A/C system is fully charged. Yes, I have cleaned the condenser,. Yes, the fan is working properly.

 

Put some insulation on the refrigerant pipe from the condenser to the evaporator connection on the firewall. Someone mentioned this will help improve performance, because the expansion valve is right at the condenser, instead of the evaporator.

 

That's a good thought, and be done. But I don't know when the A/C system was last serviced , and believe all parts to be original.

 

I'm no expert but I assume it was an oversight not to include the condenser in your list of parts to be replaced. I just did my '06 Superduty but in my case the compressor locked up solid so that made the decision to throw parts at it easier. FWIW I ignored all the advice to use special flushing agents and went with high volatile brake cleaner. I just blew the brake cleaner into the various lines and then applied air to push it through. I can't remember how many reps I did - 2 or 3 likely. Then I put it all back together with new o-rings, pulled a vacuum for several hours and charged it. Works a charm now, even on RedTek refrigerant.

 

Your truck didn't come with cabin filters so the evaporator could be very dirty after all these years. Years of dirt and moisture it's probably covered in mud now and it can't transfer the heat.

If everything is working and it's not leaking why throw parts at it. Check the evaporator to see if it's not dirty.

 

Not that I'm an A/C expert, but not sure why I would replace the condenser when it would be flushed.

I am fairly confident that the evaporator is not too dirty. General with a clogged evap core the volume of air coming from the vents is weak. That has just been my experience.

I don't want to just throw parts at it, but I believe everything is factory and unsure if it's ever been serviced.

I am scratching my head a bit with the compressor. It's appears to be leaking oil, but not losing freon. I don't see any oil coming from the front cover or oil pan.

 

if its leaking oil then more than likely there is freon coming out

 

You would think. But, freon is full, and can't tell where the oil is coming from exactly.

 

If the oil is refrigerant oil, it would just about have to be leaking Freon also. If oil can escape Freon certainly can.

 

See my other post, I had my Compressor, Condenser, Accumulator, and Orifice tube replaced and I did not get the improvement I was looking for. The biggest thing i noticed was the difference in pressures with the new condensers. I could never get the low side over 30 even on a super hot day. Now they are in the mid 40s. This was causing compressor cycling before it ever got cool. I may be a little too picky (If i can get to 48-52 at idle, i would be much happer... My wife's escape idles at 48 while my truck is at 60). It has been over 100 with 40+% humidity (DFW area) and at idle i'm getting 58-60 at the vents and on the highway 44-48.

Are you getting 55 at idle or when moving? What is you ambient temp and humidity?

I have done 2x 12" pusher e-fans to get more air across the condenser, and the Heater Core Bypass. Both helped a little bit. I am actually upgrading to 16" flex-a-lite pushers to get more coverage on the condenser.

Not sure if i will go so far as replacing the clutch fan with the e-fan kit.

I was hoping after 13 years of these trucks being out there, there would be a magic bullet, but it just doesn't seem like there is enough cooling power for the big cabin. Maybe they should take a note from the expedition and do 2 evap coils for the front and back to get better cooling.

Hopefully you can have some more success.