Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

COMPONENT INSPECTION
It is often possible to detect the cause of a concern by a careful visual inspection of the A/C refrigerant system. This includes checking for broken belts, obstructed condenser air passages, a loose clutch, loose or broken mounting brackets, disconnected or broken wires, and refrigerant leaks.

REFRIGERANT LEAKS
A refrigerant leak will usually appear as an oily residue at the leakage point in the system. The oily residue soon picks up dust or dirt particles from the surrounding air and appears greasy. In time, the buildup will look like heavy, dirt-impregnated grease.

O-Ring Seal Leaks
Most common leaks are caused by damaged or missing 0-ring seals at various hose and component connections. When these 0-rings are replaced, the new 0-rings should be lubricated with refrigerant oil. Care should be taken to keep lint from shop cloths from contaminating the internal surfaces of the connection. Leakage may occur at a spring lock coupling if the wrong 0-rings are used at the coupling. Use only the 0-rings listed in the Ford Master Parts Catalog for the spring lock coupling.

A/C Charging Valve Core Leaks
Another type of leak may appear at the internal Schrader-type A/C charging valve core in the service gauge port valve fittings. If tightening the valve core does not stop the leak, replace the valve core with an A/C Charging Valve Core (Part No. 19D7O1).

Service Gauge Port Valve Cap Leaks
Missing Service Gauge Port Valve Caps (Part No. 19D702) or equivalent can also cause a refrigerant leak. If this important primary seal (the valve cap) is missing, dirt will enter the area of the A/C charging valve core. When the service hose is attached, the valve depressor in the end of the service hose will force the dirt into the valve seat area and the dirt will destroy the sealing surface of the A/C charging valve core. When a service gauge port valve cap is missing, the protected area of the A/C charging valve core should be cleaned and a new Service Gauge Port Valve Cap (Part No. 19D702) should be installed.

CAUTION: Service gauge port valve cap must be installed finger-tight If tightened with pliers, the sealing surface of the gauge port valve may be damaged.