a/c compressor
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 25
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From: tampa
a/c compressor
I know it's not the season for a/c questions, but I'll go ahead anyways, I'm moving to FL next month. I have 94 f150 5.0 with 180k miles. Well my grandfather owned the truck before me and he had the a/c compressor go bad on him. I guess he never used it because he had the dealership put in a pully and bracket and seal off the hoses. My question is what will I need to fix it? And can I do it myself? I've seen the cans of r134 (or whatever the new stuff is) down at the parts store and have just wondered. I figure I need the old bracket (which is probably lost) a new compressor and some cans of refigerant and oil. Also someone who does some a/c work said that I should hook up a vacuum pump to the system and run it overnight before hooking the hoses up to get any moisture out. Any thoughts? Does the '94 use r134 or does it use the older r12 which I don't think you can buy anymore. Good for the ozone or something. I don't know much about a/c. thanks,
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,214
Likes: 13
From: New Jersey
You certainly can swap the mechanicals in yourself, but I wouldn't recommend charging it yourself, at least from zero. Adding a little freon is an easy DIY thing. While you can in theory use a vaccum pump to evacuate the system and refill with freon, you'll get much better results with an official A/C recharge system such as from Snap-On. These have gauges and flow regulators to prevent under/overcharging, and do it right the first time.
Aside from installing a new compressor, I'd also recommend replacing the in-line dryer with a new one. They are fairly inexpensive ($30 or less, I believe) and willl work much better than a unit that's been exposed to the atmosphere for years. I've seen people remove them and put them in an oven to dry them out, but with a new part being $30 or so, why bother taking a chance. Other than that, some seals, inspect the hoses, and you're good to go.
Aside from installing a new compressor, I'd also recommend replacing the in-line dryer with a new one. They are fairly inexpensive ($30 or less, I believe) and willl work much better than a unit that's been exposed to the atmosphere for years. I've seen people remove them and put them in an oven to dry them out, but with a new part being $30 or so, why bother taking a chance. Other than that, some seals, inspect the hoses, and you're good to go.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Alabama
You can buy a vacuum pump and gauges at Harbor Freight that will be sufficient to do this if you want. Vacuum pump sells for $10 and a set of gauges runs about $50. Advanced Auto or Autozone both have compressors for less than $200. Accumulator would run about $30 or less and an Orifice valve runs about $10. If you pay attention its not really that difficult. I had never done any A/C work before and I did mine this past summer. Haynes prints a Heating and Air Conditioning manual that will tell you how to do it. I would recommend a set of gauges, either bought or borrowed, to monitor system pressures and to use the vacuum pump you would need an air compressor to run it. The compressors that the (2) above sell are manufactured by Four Seasons Air out of Texas and they have a toll free number if you purchase their product to ask questions. I had to get the number off the internet because above (2) probably don't have it or would give it to you. And most of all, you have access to this forum. If you decide to do it,just post up after you move or send a private message and anyone would be glad to help.
guzzler96
guzzler96
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
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Help with dead ac
I have an 89 f150 with a dead AC compressor. I have found reference to replacing it with a bracket and pulley. Ford claims to have no knowledge of producing a pulley for this purpose. Do you know a source for the pulley and bracket?
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Alabama
This link may be too long to work. This is for a mustang, but these people may know of one that would work for you. They may even have one. Its called an a/c eliminator. Found this by using Google.
http://www.speedyperformanceparts.co...tor-kit_z.html
guzzler96
http://www.speedyperformanceparts.co...tor-kit_z.html
guzzler96
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
The approach necessary will be determined by how the compressor failed. If it simply had clutch problems or a leaking seal, then putting on a compressor, filter drier, making sure the right amount of oil is in the system, evacuation and recharge is all that is necessary.
If, however, the compressor failed internally, your new compressor will fail almost immediately if you do not THOROUGHLY flush the ENTIRE a/c system to get out all the debris that the failed compressor has strewn through the system. The filter drier will not catch most of this debris. Also adding a suction side filter inline just before the intake to the compressor would be a worthwhile step.
Good luck,
Doc
ASE Master
If, however, the compressor failed internally, your new compressor will fail almost immediately if you do not THOROUGHLY flush the ENTIRE a/c system to get out all the debris that the failed compressor has strewn through the system. The filter drier will not catch most of this debris. Also adding a suction side filter inline just before the intake to the compressor would be a worthwhile step.
Good luck,
Doc
ASE Master