A/C work, Ford Expedition, Southern Pines, NC

Hard-Deck · 04-15-2014, 02:18 AM

Thank you upfront for any help.

2003 Expedition. I need new compressor, dryer, recharge. I have contacted two shops in the area and neither will get back to me with an estimate. Does anyone have a recommendation? I'm not DIY'ing this job as I'm already restoring AC on my 911.

mattdavis11 · 03:19 AM

If you asked for a quote for a compressor, drier and recharge, they likely didn't call you back because they don't want to deal with a warranty issue later on.

Whether it's a 5.4 or 4.6 doesn't much matter, they are both equipped with a scroll compressor. When a scroll compressor fails, nearly every time metal shavings are present all throughout the system. If it locked up, and they usually do, count on a full a/c job.

You will need, compressor, condenser (if parallel flow, which is highly likely), accumulator, expansion valve (or orifice tube), rear expansion valve (if so equipped), flush, oil, and 134a.

This one isn't going to be cheap if you farm it out.

Can't help you on a recommendation other than maybe letting the shop know you do need a few more parts than what was mentioned in your post.

onewhippedpuppy · 04-15-2014, 03:32 AM

Recommendation - if they don't call you back, don't give them your business. Just think how bad they'll be after they get your business.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

If you asked for a quote for a compressor, drier and recharge, they likely didn't call you back because they don't want to deal with a warranty issue later on.

Whether it's a 5.4 or 4.6 doesn't much matter, they are both equipped with a scroll compressor. When a scroll compressor fails, nearly every time metal shavings are present all throughout the system. If it locked up, and they usually do, count on a full a/c job.

You will need, compressor, condenser (if parallel flow, which is highly likely), accumulator, expansion valve (or orifice tube), rear expansion valve (if so equipped), flush, oil, and 134a.

This one isn't going to be cheap if you farm it out.

Can't help you on a recommendation other than maybe letting the shop know you do need a few more parts than what was mentioned in your post.

Wow, really?

I for sure am not arguing the facts with a pro like you and I trust your judgment. I am just surprised the accumulator and expansion valve did not stop the metal. So about all he has left are the hoses and they need a good flush.

No wonder a lot of folks don't fix it.

Hard-Deck · 04-15-2014, 05:25 AM

onewhippedpuppy: I fully agree, we think alike on this.

Matt: Wow! I had no idea that it was this much trouble. Since this is the case, I can do the work, source the parts. The only thing I'm uncertain of is how to flush the system.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

If you go to the local FLAPS they will have a AC flush product. You can maybe rent the flush gizmo from them or get one. Pour in the flush solution and hook up the air compressor to the flush can and blow. It makes a mess. The flush solution is expensive.

Hard-Deck · 04-15-2014, 05:53 AM

Glen, got it, thank you. I'll roll up my sleeves and get to work.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

I just went ahead and bought the flush gun. It was not real expensive and I am a self confessed tool junkie. I got mine from a local AC specialty shop. Buy lots of the the flush stuff. It goes fast and stinks but I figured if a little is good, more is better for a flush. No such thing as too clean. I guess if you are replacing everything but the hoses you will not have that much to flush, so maybe less is more.

mattdavis11 · 02:42 PM

If the suction and discharge hose assembly has a muffler on it, its gotta be replaced too.

You have to remember, if the compressor grenaded, metal is in the system. If you have the hose assembly with the muffler, it's full of metal and you won't get it clean, same with the parallel flow condenser. Those two components are the first place the metal goes, the accumulator is the last stop before the compressor gets it again.

I'm picky about my flush, I like the fast drying kind. An excellent alternative which I use most often is denatured alcohol. Grab a couple of quarts and send down the lines. I too have a flush gun as it is a necessity for me.

Just an FYI, there are suppliers that have better aftermarket compressors, Global comes to mind, but if it were to fail, you are back in the same boat you are in now. UAC hasn't given me many problems over the years, Ranshu has, Omega has. You just never know since most are made in china now. If you do source all the parts from one outfitter, i would choose 1800 radiator, not because of the price, but because of the warranty. If you replace the all the parts, condenser etc... and the compressor blows chunks, you should have a lifetime warranty on all the parts, condenser included. i have no affiliation now, but was once a sale rep and that was the policy. Just so you know, they spend about $200 for all those parts, condenser included. I can buy the same at the same price, but I'm not going to extend anything but a 1 year on the compressor.

It always was a good idea to replace the condenser, but now you have to because of the design. My biggest fear is doing a scroll compressor equipped ac job and getting a bad one. Gotta do it all over again.

Nostril Cheese · 04-15-2014, 02:28 PM

Been there done that on my friends F150. Matt is correct, you need to flush the system of the black death. It's a pain.

yetibone · 04-15-2014, 02:57 PM

Wish I was closer than an hour away. I'd be happy to look at it. I replace a lot of F-series FS10 compressors because the clutch failed and burned up, or the case leaked. I don't see much black death these days, but they can come apart and foul up a condenser, orifice, and accumulator. Usually the manufacturer's warranty stipulates that those items get replaced anyway.

If you DIY, you'll need to get the disconnect tools for the garter spring connectors too. FLAPS carry them, and they're not expensive.

Hard-Deck · 04-15-2014, 03:05 PM

Thanks everyone. All the information is helpful. Yetibone: I appreciate the words of help if closer. Pelican family is great.

mattdavis11 · 04-15-2014, 03:10 PM

Unfortunately, he does not have a FS10 compressor. It's a scroll design. Rarely ever do they not lock up. Sometimes they even blow the case apart leaving a big ole hole. It's not black death he's worried about, it's flakes, possibly even chunks of metal in the system.

A set of line lock tools are a must to DIY.