1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

[ArdWrknTrk]

Progress is good!

At least you have it isolated.
I've used JB weld in the past, but offer no warranty.

[Gsmblue]

JB weld is magical!

I will wait for the weather to get better before going any further with the AC...

There are some higher priorities I need to get on:

1. I have a nasty water leak on the passenger side I need to tend too, since I put the new floor mats in, the passenger side one is constantly collecting water and I cannot tell where from... Need to get the hose on it..

2. riverside wind leaks from the top on occasion. The seals are new and I am not sure if it is the chipped window or not.

3. the rear bumper needs to be collected and installed!

Then I need to go back to my list and see what parts I have on hand for other tasks...

[Gary Lewis]

Janey made her "Mexican Chicken" dish with the leftover broiled chicken from another meal and the few Doritos we had.  Was good, but wasn't her normal.

Anyway, you are getting there on the A/C.  Once you find the leak you'll be "in".

By the way, the longer you leave the vacuum pump on the more moisture it'll pull from the system.  Obviously there's a limit, but it doesn't hurt anything to leave it a while.

[grumpin]

I agree on the vacuum. I usually let it pull for an hour. Then open the service port with a can hooked up to pull it in.

[Gsmblue]

I did let it suck the air out for 45 mins. But as I will be doing it again once I get this leak worked out I will pull for a full hour.

The weather here is cold and damp so will wait until  nice 65+ sunny day :)

[FuzzFace2]

I don't know how much a sniffer is at HF or if they sell them but if you cant find leaks with bubbles try the sniffer at the vents in the truck.
You said you heard a hiss could the evap have a leak?
The sniffer would pick this up.
Dave ----

[ArdWrknTrk]

We used to use a torch, but H&S would have a meltdown now.

[Gsmblue]

Hahaha! A torch in England is a flashlight... but I think you would have a butane powered torch!

HF do have a sniffer. I am thinking about it. It is $70 before coupons...

[ArdWrknTrk]

Yes, indeed a propane blowlamp.

But an ultraviolet 'torch', and a pair (singular) yellow plastic lenses used with the UV dye works a treat when the system has already been charged.

Burning CFC's and other halogenated solvents in open atmosphere releases toxic gas.
Re: the dire warnings about using brake cleaner for weld prep.

[Gsmblue]

It has been a few weeks, but today it was warm enough to work on the AC again. The system had held pressure the last few weeks, but it was lower than it needs to be.

I turned the pressure switch 3/4 turn anti clockwise and the system kicked on. I tried putting more R134a in but that is when i heard the hiss. Killed the engine and then found it in the line on the high side of the condenser going to the compressor.

New hose ordered and should be delivered tomorrow.

I did install the new blower motor and cleaned all the pine needles out from there. Small improvement in air flow.

I also loosened the rear bumper bolts, but as i was in direct sun going blind i will finish that another day. The hard part is done, they are loose!

[Gary Lewis]

Two more layers of the onion removed.  Gonna have a Boomin' Onion soon!

[ArdWrknTrk]

I thought you would say "Two steps forward and one step back is still progress."

[Gary Lewis]

That's true, it is.  And then you'd say?  

[ArdWrknTrk]

Progress is good!  

[ArdWrknTrk]

Did you ever find the leak on your passenger side?

Is it coming from the cowl, or where the heater plenum passes through the firewall?

Do you have a good hood seal?

[Gsmblue]

Progress indeed!

Not had a chance to track the leak down.l going to get the wife to hold the hose over the truck at the weekend, while I sit inside with the AC blowing!

[Gsmblue]

Finally got a task done that has been bugging me since day 1.

The rear bumper with those horrible lights cut into it and those dents! Pretty sure neither were standard.

Anyhow, all fixed. Boy were those bolts a PITA !!!!

Also, while under there, I noticed the bushings for the suspension leaf springs were absolutely shot, not sure how I haven't noticed that before. I guess I will have to put that on the list, near the top maybe?





Sure, it needs a good cleaning, but so does the rest of Espy right now, pollen and dust everywhere.

I did adjust the electric choke for the warmer weather, starting is much easier now.

The bloody tach has stopped working again. I need to get a multimeter to the printed circuit, I think it is worn where the dash connect goes and the little nuts that connect the tach seems to be have worn the printed circuit.

The AC hose arrived today, so I will tackle that tomorrow. It is really windy out there right now, I feel like I have been sailing.

Beer time :)

[Gary Lewis]

Little by little you are getting it sorted.  

Bumper looks good.  Spring bushings can be a pain, but I used a piece of large all-thread as a puller and it worked.  Others burn the old one out.

[Gsmblue]

Hmm. Sounds like a pain!... maybe a cheap job to get done at a shop?

[ArdWrknTrk]

I don't think it's ever cheap to pull the suspension out of a vehicle, but it is A LOT quicker and easier to do it with a lift and air tools.