Hi Guys, since I found out that my A/C problems are due to a fired compressor, I was wondering which is the best way to get the A/C working again. I've looked at remans, new, complete kits and used, but from what I understand it requires quite a bit of work to get the system operable again. I found this kit 1996*Ford*Pick-up Truck*AC Kit Parts from Buy Auto Parts and it looks like it has what I need. Is anyone familiar with this type of kit? Would this be my best option? I've talked to a few local shops and they want more than $800.00 just to install a reman compressor. Any and all ideas are welcome.

Thanks,
PB

 

That looks like a good deal. It's everything you need. With your savings get a robinair electric vacuum pump and a good set of gauges and a 30lb bottle of 134A. You will still be under what a shop would charge. Flush the hoses and condensor with brake clean and compressed air if you can but it's not completely necessary and vacuum the system for at least 12 hours. Just turn th epump on, open both valves on your gauges and let it run all night. Cleanliness is most important.

 

Thanks, RRanch, that's just what I plan to do. I have a Vac Pump on my CNC router, that I modified for the CNC table, so that will work fine and I have a friend with a set of gauges. With a little work I should be able to get it going again.

I see you recommended brake clean, rather than flush fluid, I take it that works well? Do you flush the system before, or after, replacing the Accumulator/Drier? Any other helpful hints will be appreciated.

Thanks,
PB

 

I flush then with the dryer off. I always liked brake clean best. When it dries it doesn't leave any residue. I'm no sure you have a good pump to use for AC. AC vacuum pumps pull a higher vacuum than any other i've ever seen. They also use an oil that is compatible with the system in case some gets sucked in. Ifit can't get at least 28, preferably 29.5 in mercury then I'd go buy an electric robinaire. Those air powered ones really suck. Well, they don't suck. Do waste our money on them.
Oh, you might want to spray some PB blaster on the two connections on the dryer. It's aluminum on steel so you know how that can be.

 

Yeah, I hear ya on the pump. I have a Grainger 1/2 HP A/C Evac pump that I modified for use as a hold down fixture on my CNC machine. It's original purpose was to be used on A/C systems, so I would think it will work. I'll give it a try. I ordered the kit and hopefully, will install it next weekend. I appreciate all your help.

Thanks,
PB

 

That should be good. It's the same size as mine. Just make sure to get some fresh vacuum pump oil and change it before using it on the truck.

 

RRranch, just thought I'd let you know that the kit arrived and I installed it last Monday. It was a simple remove and replace, with the most difficult thing being that damn "not so quick" disconnect tube fitting on the orifice tube. What a PITA. Anyway, I followed your instructions and it works like new. Thanks for all the help.

PB

 

did your compressor send metal through the system?

 

None that I could find. I flushed it out with Brake Kleen and put air to it and didn't really get anything. The orifice tube had some black crap on it, but that's all I found. After I got it back together I took the old compressor apart and it looked to me like the front bearing was seized. If there was any metal in the system, it was hiding, because I used about four cans of B/K flushing it. Like any repair....you'll know how successful it was over time.

PB

 

just wanted to make sure as id hate for you to have to replace it again!