Tried to charge the AC in the Fleetwood last week, found out my condenser has a hole in it. Picked up a new condenser for $50 out of a 94 Interceptor. I got home, got the old one out (very easy, btw) and realized they gave me a condenser with one male and one female connection, and the factory unit had 2 male connections. Needless to say I wasn't pleased, but I cut one of the male connections off the old unit, cleaned it, and used it as a bridge between the two female connections. New o-rings, no leaks.

I connected the gun to the accumulator and filled it with one can to start. The accumulator got slightly colder, maybe 5 degrees, but that was it. The service manual says 1 lb, 12 ounces total, so I put in another can and a little of a third to get close to 28 ounces. The accumulator never dropped in temperature again and the air coming out of the vents never got any colder than marginally cool. Any ideas on where I go next?

i'm assuming you checked to see that the compressor was actually running...

Picked up a new condenser for $50 out of a 94 Interceptor

A Ford condenser is interchangeable?

I gotta assume he meant 9C1. But yeah...too bad Ford had to put that Police Interceptor branding on all their P71s.

A 94 Caprice 9C1 Police Interceptor. The compressor was running the whole time. I couldn't figure out why the damn accumulator wasn't getting any colder. I got frustrated and shut the car off and went inside. Later, when we left to go to dinner, the AC worked like a charm. Turns out I didn't have the engine at 2000 rpm per the service manual. It just needed a little extra speed to really cool. I'll be getting the correct condenser this weekend regardless, the one they gave me is a little thicker and taller than the one I took out, and I want the correct unit with the correct fittings.

A 94 Caprice 9C1 Police Interceptor.

As a 9C1 owner long before I was a Caddy owner, I have to comment. "Police Interceptor" is a form of branding and is a Ford Crown Vic P71 thing. There may have also been usage of the term in the late 60s but I am not sure on the application.

A 94 Caprice 9C1 Police Interceptor.

As Kevin points out, the "Police Interceptor" is an option package on the Ford Crown Victoria. The 9C1 is the Chevy version. Coming from another former 9C1 owner:thumbsup:

Nobody better ever accuse me of driving a Ford! :crybaby::crybaby:

Glad to hear it works for you! I appreciate the info - I am swapping a compressor on my 92 RMW soon...

Check out how Chevy refers to its police fleet here http://www.gmfleet.com/pdf/2008+GM+Municipal+Portfolio.pdf

had an 05 Police Pursuit Tahoe (PPV) for about a year. What a BAD A$$ ride!! I LOVED that truck.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd251/tenmark262/guard3.jpg

A/C in my FWB crapped out on the way home from getting an oil change at Firestone. I looked and prodded and poked until I realized someone let the refrigerant out. Two cans and one angry letter to Firestone Corporate, done. They're not all that easy though.

Did you have to take out the radiator to remove the condenser? The condenser on my 93 Fleetood has a hole in it, too, and I was wondering if the radiatior needs to come out in order to replace the condenser. Also, did you need a special tool to remove the orfice tube? Thanks for your input.

Did you have to take out the radiator to remove the condenser? The condenser on my 93 Fleetood has a hole in it, too, and I was wondering if the radiatior needs to come out in order to replace the condenser. Also, did you need a special tool to remove the orfice tube? Thanks for your input.

No comment on the first question as I've never done it, but I assume the answer is no.

As to the orifice tube, the answer is needle nose pliers and patience. After 250k mine was a bit of a challenge to remove, but I got it.

Did you have to take out the radiator to remove the condenser? The condenser on my 93 Fleetood has a hole in it, too, and I was wondering if the radiatior needs to come out in order to replace the condenser. Also, did you need a special tool to remove the orfice tube? Thanks for your input.


Nope, it's very simple, according to the service manual. Just take the plate over the top of the radiator off, unbolt the fans (top bolts only, leave the side ones on), and push the radiator back. That gives you enough room to get the condenser out. Very simple, now that I've done it, I'll be able to do it again in 10 minutes. No special tools needed to get the orifice tube out either.