Service ports, does it matter where?

[Leeroy]

Hi,
new to the forum and have a few questions about the service ports for the custom a/c setup I am fitting to my 60's f100.

I'm at the stage where I am about to purchase the fittings and lines but I'm not sure where I want to put the service ports.
I understand the high side needs to be after the condenser and before the evaporator, but does it make any difference to which side of the receiver drier it goes? Also what about the low side? Can I put this on the suction fitting that attaches to the compressor? It would be easier if I could attach it there but haven't seen it done like that before.

[Tom Greenleaf]

Hmmm? You want to know pressure after evap which really could be about anywhere handy along that side and speaking for myself would want to know the high pressure even close to the compressor. Hard to visualize what you are creating.

Dang - I recall these trucks new and here absolutely none ever had A/C which was a VERY expensive option. The luxo or large Fords used I think a York or piston compressor with stem valves to isolate the compressor if wanted and you serviced those right there.

Just a thought if it helps your project is you can get away with just a low side port and now many cars/vehicles are being made that way.

Problem with something custom is you will want to find the right charge by weight which may be totally unknown depending on what you've
done or and doing and what size of what so pressures at given temps counting by the ounce will matter and become info to keep. You should get and infrared thermometer that can tell the temp of lines nicely which in turn tells you what pressure is there - cool - no pun intended.

Others may chime in with ideas or better ideas and hope they do. Would be good to know if this will be a CCOT set up or use an expansion valve?

T

[Nacho]

Ideally, the discharge port is to be located in the discharge hose/line, before the condenser, or even in the compressor, but it can definitely be installed in the liquid line, before the expansion device. This depends on the space available, but yes, it can be either before or after the drier. Likewise, the suction port can be installed anywhere in the suction tube/hose.

[Tom Greenleaf]

You rock Nacho and aways did.

Freezing my jewels (means private body parts) off which is NORMAL in New England US but I don't have to like it!

Tom