DIY A/C Repair

[RedMF40]

I’m playing with the idea of getting the A/C in my ‘99 F250 SD going again. When the shop looked at it a few years ago they said it would need all the major components. Basically rebuild the system.

Is it possible to just replace everything on my own then have a shop put the refrigerant and oil in? Or is there more to this? Looking at the parts from Rock Auto, it’s not horrible bad cost-wise. Temp here in Maryland is about 200°. Thanks for any thoughts.
Gerrit

 

[cjunrau]

I’m playing with the idea of getting the A/C in my ‘99 F250 SD going again. When the shop looked at it a few years ago they said it would need all the major components. Basically rebuild the system.

Is it possible to just replace everything on my own then have a shop put the refrigerant and oil in? Or is there more to this? Looking at the parts from Rock Auto, it’s not horrible bad cost-wise. Temp here in Maryland is about 200°. Thanks for any thoughts.
Gerrit

I am no expert but all my old cars if the pump still works just ad red tech or such. If pump seized order on line and install. Buy one can oil and fill with red tech. we buy are refrigerant at Canadian tire or princess auto. there are a few different makes out there for over the counter refrigerant.

 

[timcasbolt]

Would probably be best to line up the shop that's going to do the work before you pull the trigger. A lot of shops want to make money off the parts, too.

 

[RedMF40]

I am no expert but all my old cars if the pump still works just ad red tech or such. If pump seized order on line and install. Buy one can oil and fill with red tech. we buy are refrigerant at Canadian tire or princess auto. there are a few different makes out there for over the counter refrigerant.

That might work. I think the shop was trying to cover its butt by replacing everything in case there was any contamination that got throughout the system. Could mess up a new compressor if I understand right.

 

[Jim in LA]

I just had most AC components replaced in my 2010 F150 two weeks ago. I ordered a kit from PartsGeek and had local shop install them. New compressor,condenser with PS cooler and dryer mounted, seal package, and thermal expansion valve. Just under $300. Their customer service procedures are kind of hard to followon their website. I ordered the wrong kit and had to order the correct one which was about $10 less and returned the other today. I couldn't tell much improvement, minimum cool air duct temps 48 degrees early in the morning or at night, 57-60 at 90+ outside temp and I have noticed the air volume on high blow seems weaker the last 2-3 years. I am afraid the evaporator may have a lot of dirt and stuff built up on it and the shops around here refuse do do the job for less than $1200 because the entire dash, seats, and center console have to come out. Then again it ispossible that they didn't completely fill the system. they failed to refill the power steering resivoir and I had to add about 6 oz. of fluid back. It's amazing how noisy that pump gets when it looses a few ounces.

 

[RedMF40]

I just had most AC components replaced in my 2010 F150 two weeks ago. I ordered a kit from PartsGeek and had local shop install them. New compressor,condenser with PS cooler and dryer mounted, seal package, and thermal expansion valve. Just under $300. Their customer service procedures are kind of hard to followon their website. I ordered the wrong kit and had to order the correct one which was about $10 less and returned the other today. I couldn't tell much improvement, minimum cool air duct temps 48 degrees early in the morning or at night, 57-60 at 90+ outside temp and I have noticed the air volume on high blow seems weaker the last 2-3 years. I am afraid the evaporator may have a lot of dirt and stuff built up on it and the shops around here refuse do do the job for less than $1200 because the entire dash, seats, and center console have to come out. Then again it ispossible that they didn't completely fill the system. they failed to refill the power steering resivoir and I had to add about 6 oz. of fluid back. It's amazing how noisy that pump gets when it looses a few ounces.

I’d expect it to blow as cold as the factory air but maybe that’s unrealistic with aftermarket parts. Fortunately it’s an occasional-use truck. Drove it today and it was hot in the cab. I’ll probably just stick it out. I grew up driving cars with no A/C, I’ll live.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

I’d expect it to blow as cold as the factory air but maybe that’s unrealistic with aftermarket parts. Fortunately it’s an occasional-use truck. Drove it today and it was hot in the cab. I’ll probably just stick it out. I grew up driving cars with no A/C, I’ll live.

People seem to think that AC is some kind of black magic. It's not rocket surgery and nothing to be afraid of. You can do the whole thing yourself with a couple extra basic tools and some information off the Internet, including the charging. OR you probably have someone in your area that does AC recharges out of their garage.

The only specialized equipment you need are a set of manifold gauges, which you can get from harbor freight, and a vacuum pump. You can purchase an inexpensive air-operated vacuum pump that runs off your shop air from Amazon for about $30. Pull a vacuum, add your oil charge, add refrigerant, done.

 

[Hayfarmer]

I replaced pump on my Chev Impala at one time. I ordered parts from Rock Auto. They will only warranty pump if you change condenser also. My service guys said get both but only install pump, condenser was PIA to install. I had service guys change pump and kept condenser. My service place is pretty friendly and understand not wanting to put extra money into it.

 

[Bill in Colo]

I’m playing with the idea of getting the A/C in my ‘99 F250 SD going again. When the shop looked at it a few years ago they said it would need all the major components. Basically rebuild the system.

Is it possible to just replace everything on my own then have a shop put the refrigerant and oil in? Or is there more to this? Looking at the parts from Rock Auto, it’s not horrible bad cost-wise. Temp here in Maryland is about 200°. Thanks for any thoughts.
Gerrit

 

[Bill in Colo]

I would like to use Red Tech again I bought the last my distributor had 10 years ago, I have no idea where buy now.

 

[ford4610]

I’m playing with the idea of getting the A/C in my ‘99 F250 SD going again. When the shop looked at it a few years ago they said it would need all the major components. Basically rebuild the system.

Is it possible to just replace everything on my own then have a shop put the refrigerant and oil in? Or is there more to this? Looking at the parts from Rock Auto, it’s not horrible bad cost-wise. Temp here in Maryland is about 200°. Thanks for any thoughts.
Gerrit

Id say do it your self, i replaced the condenser, and compressor on my 2000 F250, and recharged it myself, and it works fine now, the only thing I haven't replaced is the evaporator behind the glove box. I hope I do not have to because it looks like a big job.

 

[wore out]

I would like to use Red Tech again I bought the last my distributor had 10 years ago, I have no idea where buy now.

It's basically propane and flammable. To each their own.

 

[wore out]

I’m playing with the idea of getting the A/C in my ‘99 F250 SD going again. When the shop looked at it a few years ago they said it would need all the major components. Basically rebuild the system.

Is it possible to just replace everything on my own then have a shop put the refrigerant and oil in? Or is there more to this? Looking at the parts from Rock Auto, it’s not horrible bad cost-wise. Temp here in Maryland is about 200°. Thanks for any thoughts.
Gerrit

What's wrong, did the compressor grenade, or what?

 

[RedMF40]

What's wrong, did the compressor grenade, or what?

I don’t think so since it’s quiet and has been for years. I think my shop that checked it out wanted to replace everything to be on the safe side since they didn’t know its history. A/C has not worked since I’ve owned it, about 8 years now. Just looking for a project, thought it would be nice to have cool air in the truck. If I go ahead, I’ll check reviews of some of these aftermarket parts and what’s involved to get to them. Not a huge priority, truck is parked most of the time. Basically on the fence about this.

My daily driver is a Honda and the compressor was ready to grenade about a year ago. Made a lot of noise, sounded like the engine was ready for the junkyard. People stopped and stared. I have a place that specializes in Hondas and they took care of it. Quiet and cool now.

Truck is quiet and hot.

 

[Ray,IN]

This might be helpful: https://btrac.com/resource-hub/

 

[caterpillar guy]

Will the compressor turn or is it stuck. IF it will turn you might just try connecting a wire from the battery to the compressor for a minute to see if it cools. IF so then you would know a couple things one that it would work with the compressor turning and that it is only a switch probably with either a bad connection or a bad switch needing replacing. And if it is stuck then you will know you also need to go deeper into it.

 

[MarkB_MI]

Ya kinda need to know what the problem is with your system. It may be as simple as evacuating it and re-charging. There should be no need to replace either the condenser or evaporator if they aren't leaking.

Replacing the evaporator is probably a huge amount of labor; the other parts aren't too bad to change. The system does need to be flushed out, particularly if the compressor failed. You can charge it yourself if you have a vacuum pump and gauge manifold; the label under the hood will say exactly how much R-134 to use. You'll also have to add the appropriate amount of oil to the system.

I would probably first just evacuate the system and see if it will hold a vacuum. Then, if it leaks go add some dye and try to find the leaks. If you can get it to stop leaking, try charging it up and see what happens. HF has cheap vacuum pumps that will do the job. Or borrow one from a buddy.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I would find a repair shop that stands behind their work for a few years.
Some 26 year old ACs have very slow leaks that are hard to find.
You fix one leak, it is like playing wack-a-mole, another leak pops up.

 

[Welding man]

A compressor is not too hard to check. If it can be turned by hand it is not stuck, if you apply 12 volts to the magnetic clutch and it engages, it is not bad. The big reason for compressor failures is not having the proper amount of PAG oil in them. That needs to be checked before you go any farther. Pull a vacuum and let it set to see if it leaks off. Proper diagnostics will save you big bucks. Most shops, including mine will not guarantee the work if they don't furnish the parts. If your parts fail, it is not up to us to fix it again for free.

 

[Fred Werring]

People seem to think that AC is some kind of black magic. It's not rocket surgery and nothing to be afraid of. You can do the whole thing yourself with a couple extra basic tools and some information off the Internet, including the charging. OR you probably have someone in your area that does AC recharges out of their garage.

The only specialized equipment you need are a set of manifold gauges, which you can get from harbor freight, and a vacuum pump. You can purchase an inexpensive air-operated vacuum pump that runs off your shop air from Amazon for about $30. Pull a vacuum, add your oil charge, add refrigerant, done.

I probably didn't have enough compressor, but the air operated vacuum pump didn't work well for me.
Wound up buying a single stage Harbor freight pump. The pump and manifold set have paid for themselves many times over in the 13/14 years I've owned them.

FWIW, for the OP, Amazon has a bunch of cheap kits with pumps and manifold gauges for $100 or so. Some could be good, some not so much.