Deleting rear overhead A/C Heater unit

[Ambolorian]

Hi there!
I have a 2002 E350 Leader Ambulance and I'm looking to remove the rear overhead air conditioning unit. The front and rear unit run off of the same compressor with dedicated lines running towards the back.

Here's the junction underneath the driver's side running board:

View attachment 47319



I know I can connect both heater hoses together to close the loop on that system. My question is, can I do the same to the AC lines?

 

[JWA-SMB]

I'm assuming the rear system is fed by the factory A/C compressor?

I have a 2005 mostly stock E-350 with the factory rear heat & A/C system----that had to go for a number of reasons, replaced with a Pro-Air over head mounted heater using the factory coolant lines. I had thought of using the various A/C block off devices but eventually opted to simply remove every bit of the factory A/C parts for the rear evaporator. This left the van with front-only A/C.

I dug into the van and parts drawings to determine the differences in the two systems eventually needing only a few parts: one Ford high pressure line, a new orifice tube and receiver/dryer for the front only systems.

This has worked out well, the existing front only A/C is as simple and as basic as you can hope for, cost was under $250 using Ford or Motorcraft. Naturally evacuating and recharging the system was additional cost, done by professionals who are also friends and customers.

 

[BrianW.]

A lot of ambos use Danhard type aftermarket systems IIRC.

 

[Ambolorian]

JWA- Thanks for the info! Do you happen to have any of those "parts drawings" that you can forward or post?

BrianW- That's really good to know. I'll drop the overhead panel in the cab and see if there is a manufacturer stamped somewhere.
Still in Philly? I was born just north of there in Bethlehem. Hope the smoke isn't too bad down your way..

 

[Ambolorian]

I removed the black caps on the AC lines in the above pic and it appears they are shut-off valves.
Can anyone with more experience in these units confirm that?
Thanks!

 

[JWA-SMB]

JWA- Thanks for the info! Do you happen to have any of those "parts drawings" that you can forward or post?

I've attached them here but if further explanation is needed please feel free to ask.






I could also send via PM if you prefer?

Lemma know!

 

[Ambolorian]

Thank you JWA!

Very helpful.
For anyone else delving into this..
Those black caps at the bottom of the AC lines are indeed valves and you can screw them in to isolate the rear if you're removing the AC unit.

 

[JWA-SMB]

^^^Those valves are worth their weight in bitcoin if you know how to utilize them! :d5:

 

[Heiferman]

This is great info. I am in the midst of the same mod and hope the 2000 is the same. :beer: to @Ambolorian for the info.

 

[Heiferman]

I had a damaged return line after the valve. Discovered my valves were off and seized. Reluctantly, I used the Ebay aluminum plugs to cap the two lines (pressure and return) where they come down the firewall. While this worked I am concerned the oil will eventually all end up at the bottom of the high pressure line where the plug is. Thoughts?