A/C Question, Heater Control Valve?
 

I did searching but wanted to see if I could get some quick feedback on an A/C leak I'd been fighting. The last time (last summer) I tried a recharge kit, it worked great for about a week and then ran out. Later I saw some refrigerant on the ground but don't remember exactly where it was coming from at the time.

Anyways a couple questions:

1.) I recently had my heater control valve replaced which was causing a decent coolant leak. Could this have also caused a potential refrigerant leak?

2.) I recently took another look at this under the hood to look for any leaks or signs of the leak, and saw what I'm guessing is some dye on the accumulator (maybe hard to see the green in the picture on it, I'm guessing that would be dye at least). What do you think, does it look like that may need replaced?

https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1369007674


Thanks for any advice/thoughts, Justin.

As far as I know the heater control valve shouldn't have anything to do with it. I don't know 100% on that truck but most are just a vacuum controlled valve.

ah thanks. Im seeing now that its not too uncommon for the accumulator to rust out, and i had a bunch of rust on mine when i looked at moving the insulation. Ill completely remove it and see what it looks like.

Ok got to look at it again, a few more observations and issues:

1.) took the insulation off the accumulator, I'm assuming the green I'm seeing all over it is dye?? Below is a chunk I got off.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1369093697

2.) I noticed that my main vents don't blow out any air now, even on heat or cool setting. The defroster and floor vents appear to work all right. Not sure if it's related, but the hoses coming from the firewall to the heater control valve were EXTREMELY hot.

3.) I also found an open hose while fumbling around under the hood, I'm assuming this is a vacuum hose or something that's supposed to be open ended. Thought I would check though..

https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1369093697


At least I'm kind of lucky this happened between winter and summer :rolleyes:

That vacuum hose most likely goes to the 4 inch black ball underneath it. With out that your main vents of your a/c default to defrost (why your vents are working because they are vacuum controlled.) That ball is a vacuum reserve for when you don't have intake manifold vacuum so that your vents stay open.

There should be two vacuum lines going to the ball one from the intake and one to the firewall under your HVAC box.

Let me know if this is correct.

Thanks, that was exactly right, that fixed my blower air. I just need to figure out my leak, and I think it may be my accumulator due to the green on the outside.

Could this also be why air stops blowing from the dash vents with I give it gas? When idle the a.c. blows fine.

Another question, if I do need to replace the accumulator, should I stay away from the off-brand (four seasons in this case). Seems like a huge difference, $17 vs $100+ for the Motorcraft. Didn't know if there really was that much of a difference or if I should just go Motorcraft, thanks.