Does anybody have experience of the following problem - and - the remedy?

I have a 56 Ranger XLT with aircon, its second hand and used-dealer warranty has run out, when aircon button pushed in it lights up and engine note changes (denoting compressor coming in I assume?) but no cold air. I would be grateful if anybody can shed light on the problem and the remedy. Thanks

Is the compressor actually turning on? Run the AC on the coldest setting with the fan on the highest setting and open the hood. Is the center of the AC compressor turning? If not, you most likely have a leak in the AC system that needs to be repaired.

Note that in colder weather, the compressor may only run for a few seconds before shutting off - it will turn back on a few seconds later and repeat the process. On the hottest summer days, it will run continuously. The best time to have the A/C worked on is when the temperature is above 85°F (Thanks to Google: 29.4°C).

Is the compressor actually turning on? Run the AC on the coldest setting with the fan on the highest setting and open the hood. Is the center of the AC compressor turning? If not, you most likely have a leak in the AC system that needs to be repaired.

Note that in colder weather, the compressor may only run for a few seconds before shutting off - it will turn back on a few seconds later and repeat the process. On the hottest summer days, it will run continuously. The best time to have the A/C worked on is when the temperature is above 85°F (Thanks to Google: 29.4°C).

Tks for this info p38fln will check it out. meantime I had it re-gassed and it runs fine so far after 2 weeks being used for about 30 mins every other day'ish, but will check your suggestion thanks.

No need to check - if filling it with gas fixed the problem, then you probably have a leak and all of the mechanical parts are working fine.