A/C System Filtering (Focus)
WARNING:
Before performing filtering procedures, review USING R-134a REFRIGERANT .
- An A/C kit has been released to provide the necessary equipment and information to perform mandatory A/C system filtering procedure.
- Reclaim refrigerant. See FORD MOTOR CO. under RECOVERY/EVACUATION & RECHARGING.
- To determine if A/C compressor has failed and must be replaced, remove A/C evaporator core orifice and condenser to evaporator tube, if necessary. Look for a dirty A/C evaporator core orifice or a condenser to evaporator tube containing black refrigerant oil and particles.
- Cap all open refrigerant lines and components to prevent entry of dirt and moisture. Remove damaged A/C compressor. See COMPRESSOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate MANUAL A/C HEATER SYSTEMS or AUTOMATIC A/C HEATER SYSTEMS article.
- Install NEW A/C compressor. A/C clutch may have to be transferred to NEW A/C compressor.
- Remove suction accumulator.
- Add clean refrigerant oil to NEW suction accumulator. See SPECIFICATIONS in appropriate MANUAL A/C HEATER SYSTEMS or AUTOMATIC A/C HEATER SYSTEMS article.
- Install suction accumulator.
- Get correct repair kit for vehicle be repaired. Filter kit with "SPN" suffix "A" is used on vehicles with a nylon lined evaporator to compressor suction line.
- Remove a length of evaporator to compressor suction line to accommodate suction filter and install filter using clamps provided with kit. See Fig 1. Ensure filter is correctly oriented for refrigerator system flow. Check label on filter. On filter for nylon lined evaporator to compressor suction line, install "O" rings (2 on each filter tube ensuring they are properly seated in grooves on tube). Tighten clamps securely.
- Install a NEW A/C evaporator core orifice.
- Install a pancake filter in condenser to evaporator tube between A/C condenser core and A/C evaporator core orifice. See Fig 2. Ensure filter inlet is toward A/C condenser core. Connections can be made using A/C Test Fitting Set and flexible refrigerant hose of 2500 psi (17200 kPa) burst rating. Individual fittings are also available.
- Evacuate, charge and leak test system. See FORD MOTOR CO. under RECOVERY/EVACUATION & RECHARGING.
- Check all refrigerant system hoses, lines and positioning of newly installed filters to ensure they do not interfere with other engine compartment components. If necessary, use tie straps to make adjustments.
- Provide adequate air flow to front of vehicle (with a fan, if necessary) and set selector valve at MAX A/C. Set blower motor on HIGH and temperature control at full cool. Start engine and let it idle briefly. Ensure A/C system is operating correctly.
- Gradually increase engine speed to 1200 RPM by running it at lower RPM for short periods (first at 800 RPM, then at 1000 RPM). Set engine at 1200 RPM and run it for an hour with A/C system operating.
- Stop engine.
- Reclaim refrigerant. See FORD MOTOR CO. under RECOVERY/EVACUATION & RECHARGING.
- Allow engine to cool sufficiently to remove fittings, flexible hoses and pancake filter from condenser to evaporator tube.
- Discard pancake filter. See Fig 2. It can be used one time only.
- Reconnect condenser to evaporator tube back into system.
- Evacuate, charge and leak test system. See FORD MOTOR CO. under RECOVERY/EVACUATION & RECHARGING.
- Check operation of A/C system in all modes.
NOTE:
NEW FS-10 compressors do not contain any refrigerant oil. The correct amount of refrigerant oil must be added to NEW A/C compressor before installation. See SPECIFICATIONS in appropriate MANUAL A/C HEATER SYSTEMS or AUTOMATIC A/C HEATER SYSTEMS article.
