Hey, this is Larry
trying to get my HVAC system working on this 97 ranger I just purchased. The system is cooling and heating just can’t get the controls sorted out.
Having problems figuring out where t get the source vac for the ORB I think that’s what it’s called. Otherwise known as the vac storage sphere. I’m a newbie so work with me guys.

UPDATE:
Hey guys thanks for all the help the pictures are great your advice was spot on I removed the coolant tank reservoir & with a vacuum gauge check the ORB in and out in 25 inches & almost nothing out so I bypassed the ORB and Wala EVERYTHING worked except the BDA popped out. I guess I’ll have to cut a hole to get to the door so I can turn it right to insert the BDA. By the way is it called an ORB?
Larry

 

Mines a bit newer then yours, but its a little bigger then a tennis ball and its mounted on the front fender, closer to the heater core on the passengers side. #5 I think. They call it an A/C, but my truck doesnt have AC so its probably just a technicality.


Stolen from elsewhere on the site.

 

Its called the vacuum reservoir
It is located low down at the front of engine bay, passenger side

Vacuum source is the engines upper intake at the Vacuum Manifold
Follow the power brake hose to the upper intake, thats the vacuum manifold, you will see several smaller vacuum hoses connected there, one of these runs to "the ORB"

This line can have a "T" and a check valve, so it can supply vacuum to several other devices, not just the ORB, its usually not a direct line to the ORB