With the help of this forum I have been able to do most of my own maintenance for several years now that would otherwise of required a trip to the local mechanic. Thanks everyone for your help! I've never posted before but have not been able to find any information for this specific AC problem so here goes...

I have a 96 F-250 7.3 PowerStroke w/ 140,000 miles. Recently after several hours of driving in the hot Texas sun my AC compressor locked up and the serpentine belt started smoking. After turning off the AC the serpentine belt and compressor turned freely without any further problems and I was able to make it home. My untrained diagnosis was that a bearing in the compressor had gone bad. The next morning after starting the truck I turned on the AC and was surprised that it seemed to work fine and was putting out cold air. After about 2 minutes I normal operation I turned off the AC.

This morning my local parts store guy told me that a new compressor would cost approx $299 and a reman would cost $209. He also recommended that The condensor also be replaced since there was a could chance of metal shavings in the system from the bad compressor.

My question is (1) does replacing the condensor in addition to the compressor sound like good advice ? (2) Is there anything else that should be replaced ? (3) Is this something that a untrained AC person can do themselves or does this require an AC technician ? (4) What would be a ballpark figure for the labor cost of this ?

Thanks everyone!

 

You need to determine what was locked up. You need to get a good set of gages on it too. It coud be overcharged causing compressor lockup.
Is the compressor making any noise? now that it's not locking up on you. If the pump is bad it will make extra noise.
It could be the bearing in the clutch too but unlikely, they usually don't get better.

If the compressor is blown there will be metal shaving throughout the whole system. It will need to be flushed, a new filter/drier, new condenser (if it can't be flushed properly) and a new orifice (pilot tube) if it has one IDK.

Post this here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum61/

Lots of good guys there that will help.

 

Ooop's forgot to answer your question about "untrained AC person" You will need good gages 1st and foremost. The guys in the AC forum can talk you though just about everything.

 

I just started the truck and turned on the AC. Don't hear any unusual noises, and the compressor seems to be turning freely.

Thanks Cuda_jim. I will repost this on the AC thread.