Leaky AC, replace all? DIY?
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 43
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From: Austin
Leaky AC, replace all? DIY?
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition with rear air.
The AC system leaks. It has for a few years now. I have been having it recharged about once a year and that will get me through the summer months. Well, I think it is finally time to fix the system. Last year my mechanic wanted to replace the compressor, seals, drier, expansion, etc. and wanted about $1800. I could bite the bullet and let them do it but I am looking at doing it myself.
I found this kit:
FORD EXPEDITION AC REPAIR KIT NEW COMPRESSOR 98 - 02 | eBay
on eBay. Sounds to good to be true but the guy has great ratings. I have priced the parts out individually at close to $800 for Motorcraft parts.
Has anyone done this themselves? Advice? Opinions?
I do know that I will have to have someone drain and recharge the system. That is one set of tools I won't buy
The AC system leaks. It has for a few years now. I have been having it recharged about once a year and that will get me through the summer months. Well, I think it is finally time to fix the system. Last year my mechanic wanted to replace the compressor, seals, drier, expansion, etc. and wanted about $1800. I could bite the bullet and let them do it but I am looking at doing it myself.
I found this kit:
FORD EXPEDITION AC REPAIR KIT NEW COMPRESSOR 98 - 02 | eBay
on eBay. Sounds to good to be true but the guy has great ratings. I have priced the parts out individually at close to $800 for Motorcraft parts.
Has anyone done this themselves? Advice? Opinions?
I do know that I will have to have someone drain and recharge the system. That is one set of tools I won't buy
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
That looks like a good price for the parts and if the seller has a good rep I would not be afraid to buy from him.
Do you know where your system is leaking? You may only need some o-rings replaced in the system, not the whole system.
As for DIY, it's not too hard to do. Just cleanliness, time and patience will get it done.
I suggest that you locate the exact problem and not just throw money at it. Don't fix what ain't broke.
Do you know where your system is leaking? You may only need some o-rings replaced in the system, not the whole system.
As for DIY, it's not too hard to do. Just cleanliness, time and patience will get it done.
I suggest that you locate the exact problem and not just throw money at it. Don't fix what ain't broke.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 43
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From: Austin
I know the compressor leaks and no one will warranty a compressor without replacing the drier and expansion valve.
I've been looking for a write up or at least diagrams for the AC system. I'm sure I can do it without, but it would be nice.
I've been looking for a write up or at least diagrams for the AC system. I'm sure I can do it without, but it would be nice.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
Where exactly is the compressor leaking from? Most of the places that it could leak from are sealed by o-rings.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Mel, Compressors normally leak from the shaft seal. The seals can be replaced, but many times the seal failure is due to front shaft bushing wear. It's about a 50/50 chance that a new seal will last.
Case seals also leak. They are rather large orings. Problem is, the orings arent what goes bad. Corrosion erodes the oring grooves and refrigerant leaks around the seals. There's no way to fix that.
Prof10000, Those kits on Ebay are a real crapshoot. I've seen them used with no problems, but I've also seen some that were real junk. The compressors are "new" but made in China. Quality is all over the map.
Find out for sure what the warranty policy is and follow the suppliers install directions to the letter in case there are issues.
Case seals also leak. They are rather large orings. Problem is, the orings arent what goes bad. Corrosion erodes the oring grooves and refrigerant leaks around the seals. There's no way to fix that.
Prof10000, Those kits on Ebay are a real crapshoot. I've seen them used with no problems, but I've also seen some that were real junk. The compressors are "new" but made in China. Quality is all over the map.
Find out for sure what the warranty policy is and follow the suppliers install directions to the letter in case there are issues.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Thanks for this info. I am a little afraid of the Chinese parts but like you said, it is a crap-shoot. That is why I am asking around here.
I have no fear taking things apart and putting them back together but I have never done an AC. The O rings can't be all that tricky but I don't want to screw up and have to pay someone to fix my mistakes.
Can anyone make a good case for going with Motorcraft parts at almost 4x the price?
I have no fear taking things apart and putting them back together but I have never done an AC. The O rings can't be all that tricky but I don't want to screw up and have to pay someone to fix my mistakes.
Can anyone make a good case for going with Motorcraft parts at almost 4x the price?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
Thanks for this info. I am a little afraid of the Chinese parts but like you said, it is a crap-shoot. That is why I am asking around here.
I have no fear taking things apart and putting them back together but I have never done an AC. The O rings can't be all that tricky but I don't want to screw up and have to pay someone to fix my mistakes.
Can anyone make a good case for going with Motorcraft parts at almost 4x the price?
I have no fear taking things apart and putting them back together but I have never done an AC. The O rings can't be all that tricky but I don't want to screw up and have to pay someone to fix my mistakes.
Can anyone make a good case for going with Motorcraft parts at almost 4x the price?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Thanks for this info. I am a little afraid of the Chinese parts but like you said, it is a crap-shoot. That is why I am asking around here.
I have no fear taking things apart and putting them back together but I have never done an AC. The O rings can't be all that tricky but I don't want to screw up and have to pay someone to fix my mistakes.
Can anyone make a good case for going with Motorcraft parts at almost 4x the price?
I have no fear taking things apart and putting them back together but I have never done an AC. The O rings can't be all that tricky but I don't want to screw up and have to pay someone to fix my mistakes.
Can anyone make a good case for going with Motorcraft parts at almost 4x the price?
The site is run by a company called Arizona Mobile Air. Tim won't sell any parts that he wouldn't use in his shop.
AMA also sponsors www.autoacforum.com .
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I just replaced the A/C compressor on my wife's 2000 Grand Marquis. Had a shop recover the refrigerant before I started. Did a bunch of other work while I had it apart.
The compressor clutch is what was actually bad, but with 114K on it, I replaced the whole assembly.
Ford's estimate was $885 for compressor, orifice tube, new o-rings and springs, test and recharge. They said since the system was still tight and working, I did not need a new accumulator. I did everything for $345, including the charge from the shop that recovered, then tested and recharged the system for me. I did buy a $10 set of hose removal tools, that also work on the fuel lines.
The compressor is a very straight forward R&R. I removed all the hoses and replaced the o-rings and springs. Get some PAG oil, you will need about half of an 8 OZ bottle to fill the compressor before you install it. Then lube up the o rings with it before you put them on.
It was not too hard a job, and I saved over $500!
The compressor clutch is what was actually bad, but with 114K on it, I replaced the whole assembly.
Ford's estimate was $885 for compressor, orifice tube, new o-rings and springs, test and recharge. They said since the system was still tight and working, I did not need a new accumulator. I did everything for $345, including the charge from the shop that recovered, then tested and recharged the system for me. I did buy a $10 set of hose removal tools, that also work on the fuel lines.
The compressor is a very straight forward R&R. I removed all the hoses and replaced the o-rings and springs. Get some PAG oil, you will need about half of an 8 OZ bottle to fill the compressor before you install it. Then lube up the o rings with it before you put them on.
It was not too hard a job, and I saved over $500!
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