I've got to change the compressor on my 97 F150. Any hints / instructions from the fellas?

Thanks!

Stu

 

If only the clutch or pulley bearing failed you can just swap the compressor, evacuate, add 4 oz of oil and recharge.

If the compressor failed internally it's gonna get pricy. You need to replace the condenser, accumulator, orifice tube and any line with a muffler (discharge line I believe). You also need to solvent flush the remaining parts of the system.

 

Can't you just replace the pully/bearing ***'by from the front of the compressor without removing it from the vehicle? I did with my '97 Lincoln Mark VIII.

 

That's an option if it can be done in place but I "think" the compressor needs to be removed due to clearance issues. If so, the smart money is on replacing the entire compressor at that point. At 12 years, the compressor shaft seal is due to start leaking soon.
Would be a shame to spend $100 on a clutch kit and $50-75 for evac and recharge then have to spend $200 for a compressor and $50-75 again later, along with the hassle of R&Ring the compressor twice.

 

I guess it would be nice to know why he thinks he HAS to change his compressor?

 

It's making noise. Many folks aren't aware that the clutch can be replaced separately.
He never did specify if it was the pulley or the actual compressor making noise, though.

 

the compressor is shot. There were shavings around the orifice tube when I tested it. The reason I'm asking about the pulley is that I have an functioning compressor with a 6 groove pulley but my truck uses an 8-groove pulley. I was hoping I could swap the pulley between the two and save a little money.

At this point I'm probably going to have to change the dryer and the compressor so I may have to wait for a little while.

 

Unfortunately, you are also going to need a condenser.
The small size of the passages causes it to act like a big particulate filter The internal construction doesn't lend itself to flushing. If there was debris in the orifice screen, there will be a lot more trapped in the condenser.