We lost our A/C yesterday, after 13 years my guess is the compressor died. I'm about to order a new
compressor. What else should we replace while we are at it. This is the first A/C problem since it was
new.


2006 Explorer EB 4.0L with rear A/C / heat. Now at 180,000. miles.

 

Are you just assuming that it's the compressor? How do you know it's not something inexpensive and easy to repair, like an excessive clutch gap or a failed pressure switch?

 

I second what projectSHO89 says. A/C work is something that I don't really do, but before I take it to the shop, I do basic troubleshooting - wiring, pressure switches, compressor clutch and I'll even put a gauge on it. I'm not tooled up to do the work. You'll need a good vacuum pump and the recharge manifold at the very least. And the shops can recycle refrigerant. I've had 4 A/C systems worked on in the past 2 years and the compressor wasn't the problem in any of those cases. The Honda had a cracked condenser (cracked where they typically crack, but I didn't know that they had a cracking problem), the Subaru had a bad o-ring on one of the connections, the Explorer had a rusted receiver drier and the Mountaineer lost about 40% of its charge over the 20 years of its life but was basically OK. In two instances, the A/C leaked after the repair and required the systems to be evacuated so a slightly bigger o-ring could be installed (rework at no cost to me). Repair costs ranged from $220 to about $550. Not bad, especially considering what labor costs where I live. The guys who do this work (at least where I go) often see the same problems and know right where to go to find the problem and are good at finding leaks in hard to access areas. They also know what aftermarket parts to avoid, although they did get bitten on the o-rings.

 

As it turns out the compressor is OK and can be turned. The clutch is totaled. All ac lines are good, Electric is good. With 180,000. miles on it I'm still thinking to just get new compressor with clutch, will also replace ac dryer/ accumulator as has been suggested.
Looking at the DENSO 4716050 from rockauto. The engine is in excellent condition and has no timing chain issues of any kind.

 

IMHO, jump onto amazon as you can get a new MC compressor w/clutch for the same price...…….4 seasons is also a major rebuilder but although they will back up their stuff (forget the retailers on this) I tend to shy away from them when I can because of too many issues.

 

Define "totaled".

 

I was able to remove some rubber and metal splinters from the clutch. just assuming that it's shot / totaled.

 

Yesterday, you were assuming the compressor was bad...