elwood2
New Member
- Joined
- June 5, 2009
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
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- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 91 XLT
I have a 91 Ranger. The person who had the truck before me changed the serpentine belt, bypassing the AC compressor because it locked up and was causing the belt to smoke.
This was years ago (6-8yrs) and i've been having the truck about two years and i've finally decided it is time for some AC!
I tried turning the the compressor by hand and it turned a little bit but was very rusty feeling. Since it moved a little, i assume the compressor is gone and not just the clutch.
I got two quotes, one from a shop that specializes in automotive AC for $350 in labor, and one from another shop that does mechanic work and AC on the side for $375. That with me supplying the parts on both (compressor, drier, orifice tube).
I do most of my own repairs and maintenance on my vehicle as long as it doesn't take an expensive tool that i cannot borrow or rent. I also have some experience in AC repair as i worked for a AC/appliance repair place for a few years. Auto AC's are essentially the same thing just on smaller scale.
So I'd rather save a few hundred bucks and do what i can myself. I'd like to do as much as i can myself without having to buy specialized tools (vacuum pump, manifold gauge, etc) that i will probably never use again.
First question: Just to make sure, are all of the new compressors being sold compatible with r-134a?
Ok, on to what i am looking to do..
The system is still charged with R-12. I am going to take it to a shop to evacuate all the old refrigerant. After that i am going to pull the drier/accumulator off, then the orifice tube, then the compressor. I am looking at buying a can or two of this to flush out the hoses and the condenser. My hoses look to be in excellent shape but i will change them if needed.
Here's how i plan on executing this:
1. Bring it to a shop and have the r-12 evacuated
2. Come home, let the truck cool a bit.
3. Remove old accumulator/drier
4. Remove old orifice tube
5. Remove old compressor
6. Remove all hoses
7. Flush all hoses and condenser (opposite direction of flow) with aforementioned aerosol flush.
8. After making sure everything is flushed out good, put the new parts back in and connect all hoses
9. Bring it to a shop and have it vacuumed, retrofitted, new serpentine belt put on, and charged up.
I'm pretty sure there are o-rings that i should change when putting things back together. Does o'reillys/autozone sell these? When putting the new drier/accumulator on, which type/viscosity and how much oil should i put in it?
Any other suggestions or recommendations? Thanks!
EDIT: I have access to a compressor to blow the components clean but it doesnt have a water separator/filter.
This was years ago (6-8yrs) and i've been having the truck about two years and i've finally decided it is time for some AC!
I tried turning the the compressor by hand and it turned a little bit but was very rusty feeling. Since it moved a little, i assume the compressor is gone and not just the clutch.
I got two quotes, one from a shop that specializes in automotive AC for $350 in labor, and one from another shop that does mechanic work and AC on the side for $375. That with me supplying the parts on both (compressor, drier, orifice tube).
I do most of my own repairs and maintenance on my vehicle as long as it doesn't take an expensive tool that i cannot borrow or rent. I also have some experience in AC repair as i worked for a AC/appliance repair place for a few years. Auto AC's are essentially the same thing just on smaller scale.
So I'd rather save a few hundred bucks and do what i can myself. I'd like to do as much as i can myself without having to buy specialized tools (vacuum pump, manifold gauge, etc) that i will probably never use again.
First question: Just to make sure, are all of the new compressors being sold compatible with r-134a?
Ok, on to what i am looking to do..
The system is still charged with R-12. I am going to take it to a shop to evacuate all the old refrigerant. After that i am going to pull the drier/accumulator off, then the orifice tube, then the compressor. I am looking at buying a can or two of this to flush out the hoses and the condenser. My hoses look to be in excellent shape but i will change them if needed.
Here's how i plan on executing this:
1. Bring it to a shop and have the r-12 evacuated
2. Come home, let the truck cool a bit.
3. Remove old accumulator/drier
4. Remove old orifice tube
5. Remove old compressor
6. Remove all hoses
7. Flush all hoses and condenser (opposite direction of flow) with aforementioned aerosol flush.
8. After making sure everything is flushed out good, put the new parts back in and connect all hoses
9. Bring it to a shop and have it vacuumed, retrofitted, new serpentine belt put on, and charged up.
I'm pretty sure there are o-rings that i should change when putting things back together. Does o'reillys/autozone sell these? When putting the new drier/accumulator on, which type/viscosity and how much oil should i put in it?
Any other suggestions or recommendations? Thanks!
EDIT: I have access to a compressor to blow the components clean but it doesnt have a water separator/filter.