Community Forums

RussReid · 06-23-2020, 01:11 PM

Hello everyone:

New member here, hoping to learn. Avid DYIer (except motors and transmissions).

I replaced a seized A/C pump on the Ford chassis two years ago and had a certified Ford dealership reload the refrigerant for the system. The A/C worked fine until this summer (2020).

The vents started blowing hot air in the same manner as the previous failure. About 1/4 mile into the maiden trip for this year there was a loud "bang" followed by a screeching sound (possibly due to refrigerant leaking suddenly from the A/C system). There was a distinct odor of skunk emanating from the engine bay.

Otherwise there was no impact on the performance of the coach. A quick scan with my OBDII unit showed "No Codes".

Not wishing to spend another $1200 on a new pump and refill, is it possible to replace the A/C pump with a pulley to accommodate the serpentine belt. I previously ran the motor with the A/C "off" and no refrigerant for several hundred miles with no ill effect until I could get to a Ford dealership to have the system refilled. A mobile truck repair mechanic told me that as long as I did not activate the A/C switch the pulley on the pump would free wheel with no problem. I am leery of the current unit seizing up and making the motor unstartable.

Any suggestions or war stories would be greatly appreciated.

Happy RVing

Russ Reid

Randalpho · 06-23-2020, 01:50 PM

I can't vouch for this part but it is available.

https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-259...ley&origin=YMM

A32Deuce · 06-23-2020, 02:14 PM

Unless the A/C clutch freezes up, you should be fine.

GypsyR · 06-23-2020, 07:11 PM

Sounds like you blew a line (a hose) and let the freon out. It does smell pretty bad. This affects your compressor (pump) not at all. It has an electric clutch that only engages it when you turn the AC on and other conditions are also met. One of the other conditions should be a pressure switch on a line that senses freon pressure. No pressure sensed will not let it run. So just like winter or any other time you're not using the AC, the compressor is freewheeling. You can drive it as much as you want. Or you can take without functioning dash AC.

When you go to have it fixed it's better to say "refrigerant" or actual type of refrigerant "R134A" than freon. It will make you sound smarter. The term freon is out of fashion for some reason and technical people don't really call it that anymore. I like to though, obviously.

chboone · 06-23-2020, 11:12 PM

"Refrigerant" is the correct terminology, Freon is a licensed trademark of Dupont. For many years all Refrigerants were commonly known as Freon even if not manufactured by Dupont. Just like the adjustable wrench is commonly known as "Crescent Wrench" which is also a licensed trademark.