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I have been going through a large can of freon in about two days. I've tried the dye and have had no luck determining where the leak (probably the evaporator) is so I have decided to replace the entire system. I get some good pricing on Ford parts so I feel like I will come out ahead vs having it repaired by a mechanic.
I have had no luck finding some good photos of the evaporator housing and such so I will try to make some time to take and post some. I the front of the truck removed down to the radiator and hit a dead stop with the tranny line connections on the radiator. I have two types of disconnect tools and neither are the correct ones!!
First order of business will be to hunt down the tool....
That parts list looks familiar... I had my dessicant bag burst the first year I bought my truck (about 5 years ago) and it basically plugs the entire system with silica like material. Thankfully I had an extended warranty that covered all but about $200 to replace every component of the entire system. I think with labor it was around $1600 or $1700 for the total job.
I'm in a same position with my half ton, but I actually got the dye to work. I vacuumed the system, and put in 7oz of oil with the dye in it. Ran it half hour then let it sit a few days. It has to be coming out of somewhere. It's probably too late for you but not everything will need to be replaced.
Well it's all done. After vacuuming the system it wouldn't hold vacuum! I couldn't believe it! After good cry and additional troubleshooting, I found that the manifold connectors were leaking at the quick connects. A little Teflon tape on he connectors and it holds vacuum!! . 55° on a 100° day isn't too bad!
I will work on pictures later this evening but I have to say that going through the front made it very easy, plus I took advantage of it being open and installed the new belt.