Top bolt/stud on ac compressor

[Donny P]

I am trying to get at the third stud between the comp and the alternator. Can’t see it yet, but also cannot feel a nut on the stud either. So far I have the upper rad hose and cooling fans out to make some room. And the plastic wheel well shroud. Next I was going to pull the windshield washer reservoir cause it looks like I could reach in easier over the frame rail to get at this hidden stud.
The two lowers were easy, although on one the stud came out, and the other just the nut, so the stud is still in place, maybe that has something to do with the removal?

2016 baseline Exporer 3.5 litre no turbo

 

[613GT500]

You guys are scaring me...
What is the reason to pull out the AC compressor on a MY2016 vehicle?

 

[Donny P]

185,000 Km’s on it. But this week I was ready to park it near Brantford and let the natives burn it. Both my keys broke, brakes were sticking, ac went and then a serpentine belt let go before my ac parts came in, stranding me a mile from home with a dead battery.

 

[613GT500]

185,000 Km’s on it. But this week I was ready to park it near Brantford and let the natives burn it. Both my keys broke, brakes were sticking, ac went and then a serpentine belt let go before my ac parts came in, stranding me a mile from home with a dead battery.

Lol, I agree to let it burn.

 

[Donny P]

Fresh brain in the morning, after remover the washer tank, I see I was feeling the wrong stud. Still a dirty prick to get at. But a couple minutes and unit is out. Now, I probably should pull the rad and condenser to clean out, Rock Auto says I should replace it as well. Can my back handle a full day in the shop?

 

[Donny P]

Took apart the compressor, the guts are clean, all pistons and cylinders are perfect, oil is clean. Been wrenching for 35 years, but this is my first time doing anything air conditioning related. I am guessing I just had a compressor clutch failure, so no shrapnel in the heart of the system. I should be OK just putting the new compressor on and get the system recharged? Not sure if the do it yourself charge kits work and or are simple. Probably take in somewhere to get it done. That will be my third mechanic hiring in my lifetime I guess.

 

[Exit32]

By replacing the A/C compressor, you've "opened" the system; i.e., refrigerant is gone and air has entered the system. After the new compressor is installed, you need to evacuate the system to get the air (and moisture) out before you add refrigerant. Unless you own a vacuum pump and a set of gauges, this work is best assigned to an A/C professional.

 

[Donny P]

Kind of like

By replacing the A/C compressor, you've "opened" the system; i.e., refrigerant is gone and air has entered the system. After the new compressor is installed, you need to evacuate the system to get the air (and moisture) out before you add refrigerant. Unless you own a vacuum pump and a set of gauges, this work is best assigned to an A/C professional.

Yes, I agree. I was just reading up on it. Vacuum pump is not in my toolbox. Only heard about failures with those DIY kits anyhow.

 

[KayGee]

AC Vacuum pumps are not that expensive <$100 USD. Manifold gauges are $60-100. Some auto stores may have rentals of one or both.

Over the years, I've found several retail stores that have put the DIY kits on clearance for a couple of bucks each. I always try to keep a few handy and have never had one that didn't work.

 

[Donny P]

AC Vacuum pumps are not that expensive <$100 USD. Manifold gauges are $60-100. Some auto stores may have rentals of one or both.

Over the years, I've found several retail stores that have put the DIY kits on clearance for a couple of bucks each. I always try to keep a few handy and have never had one that didn't work.

You are not by chance the KayGee from the drum chat forum are you?