1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

[Gary Lewis]

I had forgotten.  You are right, Espy is highly-optioned.  

[Gsmblue]

I probably should add the AC update info here to keep track. I do have a question or two at the end!

I picked up a compressor,  mounting bracket, the missing high side hose, accumulator and pressure switch along with a battery tray for the princely sum of $35. Bargain if it all fits and works! I am also assuming all the wiring in Espy is good... I should prob test it somehow.



On order I have a r134a retrofit kit that has valves, washers and gaskets. A new four seasons 33188 accumulator and pressure switch as well as a new four seasons 38635 red orifice.

I will go to harbor freight and get an AC manifold and vacuum pump, then hit up autozone for r134a and PAG46 oil.  

My question is - how much r134a do I use and how much oil do I use?

[Gsmblue]

Starting to think that mounting bracket was not from a 351/302.. I will clean it up later and find out... There were lots of engines at the breakers so I can always go hunting again later...

Also, the retrofit kit contains oil, so one less thing to worry about.

When it comes to the R134 I will use 2 ways to tell if the system is charged.

1. Use the rule of thumb for 85% of the original R12 capacity.
2. Stick a thermometer in the air vent and see when the temp gets to 45F

Unless anyone has any other guidance.

[grumpin]

Pressure.

http://acprocold.com/faq/r-134a-system-pressure-chart/

Edit: there’s more charts out there with lower temperatures if you need it.

[Gsmblue]

Thank you, that helps me tremendously!

[Gsmblue]

Low on juice today... so all i got done:

1. Checked the AC bracket from the wreckers fits, it does so I cleaned it up.

2. Washed and waxed Espy

3. Got the rust off the “new” battery tray and painted it.

Pics for fun!

[1986F150Six]

Very clean and the pup looks good!

[Gary Lewis]

That's a pretty good list from my standpoint.  Well done!

[Gsmblue]

More progress!!!

I removed the fuel regulator and re-routed the fuel line. Once that was done I managed to get the AC compressor and associated brackets installed.

While i I was in there i replaced the power steering belt (i did the alternator one recently).

Now i need to work out the wiring as the harness has been butchered.

The new accumulator and r134a kit will arrive during the week.

I noticed the accumulator in the Bronco is different to the one from the breakers so i am not sure how this will all pan out. I will post pics tomorrow comparing them..

Also swapped the boot on the steering stabilizer for a blue one..

[Gary Lewis]

Blue looks to be your color.  I guess I should have know - Gsmblue.  

But it is looking good.  However, I'm curious what differences you've found with the accumulators.

[Gsmblue]

Haha! You worked it out, Blue is my color!

The difference with the accumulators is the angle and length of the tube that comes out of the bottom. I can get some pics tomorrow, I think I will need to order a different (later model) accumulator as the AC compressor and pipes I got are from a later model truck.

The one on the left is what was in my 82 Bronco, the one on the right is what came from the donor vehicle... looks like it changed in 1983.

[Gsmblue]

Left one i pulled from my 82 Bronco, right one is from a 86f250



I got the compressor, pipes and belts all on. Just need the o-rings and new accumulator..

For fun i will try and pull a vacuum with the scrapyard one in place later, call it practice.

[FuzzFace2]

Gsmblue wrote

Left one i pulled from my 82 Bronco, right one is from a 86f250



I got the compressor, pipes and belts all on. Just need the o-rings and new accumulator..

For fun i will try and pull a vacuum with the scrapyard one in place later, call it practice.

I am hating you right now
I wish mine was looking like your is right now.
I need to hit a junk yard and see if I cant find a compressor, hoses, drier, etc.
Thing is my truck came with a York compressor and I am switching to the type you are running and I don't know what I may run into, like you on the drier, for drier & hoses yet.
Good luck on pulling a vacuum
Dave ----

[Gary Lewis]

Looking good!  Well done.  

And good luck on the vacuum.  Let it sit for a while and it'll help boil some of the moisture out.

[Gsmblue]

No vacuum test today, the wife took the wrong car and it had all my tools in it!! Hopefully tomorrow.

[Gsmblue]

Mother Nature was not cooperating today. I finished work, RAN outside and by the time I got my tools etc..l it dropped to 42F and started snowing!

My wife was laughing at me, by dog was running around like a lunatic... it was a whole show.

No vacuum test conducted.

However, an import step did occur. I shorted out the accumulator pressure switch with a paper clip, started the engine.... moved the vent control from “off” to “AC”.. and the compressor clutch engaged and The compressor started spinning! I let it run for moment and killed the engine and removed the paper clip.

This gives me some confidence that I can get this AC system working. Mother Nature will let me know when I can try again.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I hear you.  
It was 70 one day last week and Saturday was gorgeous too.

Was snowing at 6, sleet before noon and sheets of freezing rain until at least 9 pm.

Vernal equinox was last week.....
'Go home Mother Nature, you're drunk!"

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, it is a strange weather pattern we are in.  We just had a big thunder storm, so the loblolly in the low spot of the yard is getting bigger rather than smaller.  Not sure I can mow there this year.

Anyway, the fact that the compressor came in and spun is a good test.  Now, if you get warm weather, you should be able to knock it out.

[Gsmblue]

So Mother Nature had it in for you chaps too! Dear oh dear!

Definitely thankful the compressor engaged. Once the new accumulator arrives at the end of the week the weather should be a little warmer and I can really get into this...  I did paint the mounting rings for the accumulator too... I was trying to find anything I could do last night!

[Gsmblue]

Dave - 2 years worth of work to getting it this bad! I was lucky I got the FS6 compressor, hoses, accumulator, mounting rings and pressure switch for $35. I nearly bit their hand off!