129k miles, first time ever noticed a/c compressor not engaging -- hadn't tried a/c in a few months, winter and all... :-)

Jumpered the cycle switch and determined it was low pressure situation -- took to dealer, who recharged/diagnosed leak situation. Compressor oil leak at front seal (needs replacement) and refrigerant leak at manifold hose assembly.

However - compressor running nice and quiet, after recharge, no problems, silent operation. Couple questions:

1. Ford manual says no need to replace accumulator unless there is evidence of compressor failure (which mine hasn't yet) -- is that 'evidence' trash in the orifice tube? If so, where precisely is it? I know it's in one of the tube assemblies, but can't visualize the location from the diagrams.
2. Since my compressor hadn't failed, still running quiet/smooth, can I just replace that and the leaky hose assembly and be done w/it?
3. Is this a job that's beyond the moderately skilled garage mechanic? I handle most of my own jobs with exception of heavy engine (i.e., heads, etc) but have never attempted a/c-related due to the refrigerant portion of this job. I'm sure I can obtain the proper vacuum equipment somehow, if it's something that's not too overly complicated...

Thanks for any insight... Dealer quoted $1250+ for changeout of compressor, accumulator, fixed tube assembly and manifold... Would like to handle myself if at all possible.

Thanks folks,
Scott

 

You Can Get Away With Just Changing The Compressor And Line, It's Just A Recommendation To Change The Accumulator. You Probably Can Handle Something Like This, It's Not That Hard If You Can Get The Equipment

 

you can just change the compressor by yourself, it is not such expensive to get the equipment. I just bought an ac compressor for my 1999 ford expedition in Hex Auto Parts, only took 90$