A/C Problems

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Oct 20, 2004 | 11:19 AM

welbyv

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A/C Problems

I have a 1989 Ford Bronco with a 5.0. Recently my AC Compressor froze up ( enough to prevent the engine from turning over).
I have been told that I cant just replace the compressor, that I have to basically replace the whole system at a cost of around 1000 bucks!
Does this sound right to everyone else? Do I have any other options? And, can anyone point me in the best direction to obtain these parts to do it myself?
Thanks all!

Oct 20, 2004 | 11:24 AM

89Bronco_EddieBauer

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Just get a rebuilt compressor & accumulator from your local parts dealer [Auto Z]. Shouldnt run more than 300 for both. Installation is simple. Just remove the four bolts [i think there are four] from the old compressor, remove the belt and install the new compressor. If you dont know how, take your ride to a "good" vaccum and AC guy. Have him run a Vaccum test and charge your AC. Shouldnt run more than 150. So in all, total job shouldnt run more than 500 bucks. Cheap price to pay during hot days in August.

Oct 20, 2004 | 11:25 AM

greystreak92

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From: Gateway to the West

Not sure what people are trying to tell you. You will be better off converting to compressor that uses R-134 rather than R-12 but otherwise its my understanding that the rest of the system should be compatible. Further, I was under the impression than the same compressor could even be used (in some applications) but with a reduced capacity to cool because of the differences in density of the refrigerants. Someone who knows a little more about A/C systems should be better versed in this area than I am though.

Oct 20, 2004 | 11:34 AM

welbyv

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Thanks guys! Wow what quick responses. Just as a follow up note, I was told that everything needed to be replaced becasue if there is even a speck of contamination anywhere in the system, a rebuilt compressor wouldnt last me a week. Any thoughts?

Oct 20, 2004 | 11:52 AM

89Bronco_EddieBauer

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I know from a past experience with my 1991 Mercury Cougar. Not the same system, but same circumstances. I blew my compressor while driving and the clutch seized, thus stopping the engine. I changed the compressor with a rebuilt from Auto Zone and re-chargred the system with R-134A. Compressor lasted me a whole year with no problems, before the car was stolen.

Oct 20, 2004 | 12:00 PM

fcarruth

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Medina, Tn.

I have heard from quiet a few people that Ford is notorious for what they call Black Death or Sludge. This supposedly happens when you system takes on air. Also, when your compressor goes out, pieces of crud can and will build up in the condensor. Since the condensor holes are so small, flushing does not always remove the contaminents. You should always replace the orfice tube regardless of what else you replace. I am also going to replace my AC system this winter. I am going with a product called Duracool. Good write ups but don't know anything from experience though. You can find package deals on Ebay that have the compressor, accumulator / dryer, orfice tube and oil for less than $300. A new condensor through a local auto parts store is less than $200. Evacuate and check for leaks and fill with the proper amount or R134 like Greystreak92 said and you are good to go. You can buy R134 at Wally World for about $4. a can and your system will hold about 4 cans. There are exact figures on this but any shop SHOULD know. You can also get the R12 to R134 conversion kit for less than $15.

Good luck,

Good luck,

Oct 20, 2004 | 12:20 PM

JBronco

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Joined: Jun 2001

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From: Loveland, CO.

You can buy a rebuilt compressor, an R134a retrofit kit, and enough R134a to fill the system for between $200-$300. You may need other hardware too, an accumulator is a good idea after a compressor blows because of junk in the system. They arev not too expensive. Just make sure that you flush the system first, after all of the new stuff is in but before you put the new refrigerant in. They make retrofit kits that have a large can for flushing the system, most of the kits have everything that you need.

Your only problem is how to get rid of the R12 that is in your system. If you can capture it, you could sell it for over $100, or forego the conversion, fix the hardware, and fill it back up with the R12. The only issue there is if you were a little bit low on R12 now, you would not have enough to fill it back up all the way. If you can find some, you could buy it, but expect to pay around $50 a pound.

If you can't capture the old freon, but you want to do the work yourself, well I ain't sayin' nuttin!