97F-150 Air conditioning compressor change
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
97F-150 Air conditioning compressor change
For a fairly mechanical guy with tools and shop equip ( no a/c tools though) how hard is it to change the a/c compressor?
Parts cost about?
Thanks -Goudey
Parts cost about?
Thanks -Goudey
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
New compressors usually run between $200 - $300. It's also wise to install a new dryer and orifice tube as well. It's just a bolt on deal once you evacuate the system. Then after replacement, the system will need to be vacuumed down, oil added then recharged.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 8
From: Over Yonder, MN
My experience comes from residential/commercial AC, so there might be some slight differences.
It’s not that hard to change so long as you’re not trying to change refrigerant types, but if you don’t have the tools forget about it. You need a gauge manifold, hoses, storage tank, recovery compressor, vacuum pump and maybe an oxy/acetylene torch (doubtful, I think they use compression fittings in cars). You need to recover the system. Then you’ll want to change any filters/dryers in the system which I believe is easier on a car but on a house it may or may not require an oxy/acetylene torch and silver soldering. I believe they just use compression fittings on the compressor so no torch needed there. Swap the compressor and evacuate the system. Then you need to recharge the system, add oil?, and check the hi/low side pressures and add refrigerant if needed. Then you’re done. Should take a couple of hours so long as the failing compressor didn’t send shrapnel through the system.
It’s not that hard to change so long as you’re not trying to change refrigerant types, but if you don’t have the tools forget about it. You need a gauge manifold, hoses, storage tank, recovery compressor, vacuum pump and maybe an oxy/acetylene torch (doubtful, I think they use compression fittings in cars). You need to recover the system. Then you’ll want to change any filters/dryers in the system which I believe is easier on a car but on a house it may or may not require an oxy/acetylene torch and silver soldering. I believe they just use compression fittings on the compressor so no torch needed there. Swap the compressor and evacuate the system. Then you need to recharge the system, add oil?, and check the hi/low side pressures and add refrigerant if needed. Then you’re done. Should take a couple of hours so long as the failing compressor didn’t send shrapnel through the system.
