A/C hose replacement. A DIY project?

[morebhp]

Hey all. The diagnosis on my A/C system is multiple leaks due to rusty hoses and related components under the hood. (very common I see) I'm not a master mechanic but I've done a fair amount of work on my cars during the 12 years with my '95 MTX.

I need to replace everything except my evaperator, condenser and compressor. Those parts are good.

Is this something the average mortal can do? I know I need some special tools for the connections. I'm willing to invest in that stuff. But, given I'm not pulling the engine, can I even reach what I need to complete the job?

Anyone out there accomplished this formidable task themselves? Just looking for a sense of how difficult it is. It doesn't look easy but perhaps its worth saving the $600+ in labor I'll pay having it done professionally.

Anyone care to comment?

 

[SHOtimer]

Yes, it is rather easy. The Accumulator/dryer and orfice tube will be readily available at any autoparts store. You will have the trouble trying to find the hard lines - that might be best hitting up some of the parts distributors here on the forum to get you good used parts.

You can buy the $10 kit for AC/Fuel connections that will allow you to open the system.

It is rather straight forward to work on the AC system....

Doug

 

[morebhp]

Thanks Doug. I read in an earlier post where you had done yours with the engine out. (if memory serves) I'm assuming by "hard lines" you refer to the long metal "tubes' that run along the right fender well between the condenser and evaperator. So you don't think I can find those at Rock Auto or some place such as that? Can flexible hoses be retrofited? (just thinking out loud).

 

[SHOtimer]

Well, yes and no. I did do it once with the engine in - I replaced my compressor, accumulator, and orfice tube.

However, I didn't like the rebuilt compressor so when I rebuilt my motor I put in a brand new Ford compressor, and new lines...again.

The hardest part is making sure you have the right amount of oil in the system, then I took it in to get vacuumed and charged.

I just noticed you have an MTX, which would make it a bit different, but still the same principal. All the lines have 'quick releases', which are rather easy to work with unless they are rusted to pieces.

The lines that run across the fender are the orfice tube, and the accumulator/dryer lines. The hardlines which will be the tough part - are the lines that go from the compressor to the condenser, and from the condenser to the orfice tube.

Doug

 

[morebhp]

Doug, thanks again for helping me out.

So, just to make sure I understand, the hard lines you refer to are the ones in this diagram below which I've pointed to with green arrows. Correct? I'm still foggy on all the parts I'll need. I'm finding it difficult to acquire a definitive parts list for the 1995 model. I hope someone at the auto parts store can help me with that.

 

[SHOtimer]

No problem - I needed a lot of help when I did it.

The green arrow on the left is your orfice tube - that should be readily available at www.rockauto.com, or a local auto parts store, or your friendly ford dealer. The arrow on the right - will be a dealer part only as that is a hardline/hose off the compressor.....

You will also want to replace the accumulator which is the big tank infront of the compressor.....along with all of the O-rings.

Doug

 

[zak]

If you can get a vacuum pump and a set of gauges you can charge it yourself. Harder on R134a systems to get the level right, but not impossible (note I have hands on experience only with R12). Be sure to use Nylog on the seals, and be sure they are green on color do not use black. I am looking to do this on my 95 MTX so I will follow along. Might have a source for some of the hoses as the 95 MTX is kind of unique, common only with 94 MTX in some cases - zak

 

[morebhp]

Okay, sounds good. It will be good to have another resource. So far I haven't been too successful in locating anything. I've found several places (like Rock Auto) that seem to have many of the parts but I suspect there will be a few that are not readily available.

I went to my local Advance auto today and they were not able to find a diagram of the system, only a laundry list of parts. My parts are probably in the list... but which ones??

There are some diagrams floating around this forum but I think they are from an 89 and thus the R12 system. So, no doubt they are similar but not identical.

I also emailed my local Ford dealer and asked if they might be able to supply me with a diagram of the A/C system on a 95 MTX. Haven't heard back yet. I'll let you know as soon as I get something. I feel like I need that to start with. Otherwise I'm just ordering parts that "look" right. --That's an operation in futility.

I just have to have A/C here in Georgia so I have no choice but to begin this quest. A Ford specialist near my house said he couldn't locate any parts from his normal suppliers and just gave up and told me I'd have to find them myself. --Thanks chief. Big help.

I'll keep you up to date Zak on any info I acquire.

If anybody out there has a '94-'95 A/C diagram or even a list of vendors and parts for the system we'd be very grateful if you could pass it along. Summer's fast approaching.


--Mark

 

[SHOtimer]

The easy thing (I had) was having an ATX...the parts besides the compressor - were basically the same as a SLO. MTX AC parts are a bit more difficult.

A guy that will be more than able to help you will be Torrie at www.fastpartsnetwork.com

He can get you a complete diagram and most likely dig up most if not all of the parts for you - even if they are hard to find.

Doug

 

[93rev2sev]

Just make sure you get the MTX low pressure line. It has the ****** coming out of the bottom of the canister and the canister sits under the battery.

The ATX line has the canister near the firewall. There is not enough room for it there...ask me how I know.

www.napaonline.com has pics of most everything. This is where I got my parts from.

 

[morebhp]

Doug, again many thanks. That's just what I need. I'll attempt to contact Torrie tomorrow.

93rev2sev, thanks for the heads-up. That's the sort of pitfall I want to avoid. I too have been at napalonline.com and seen the parts with pics included. Even then, I find myself unsure about what I need. I don't suppose you have them scratched down somewhere or perhaps you kept a receipt of what you bought? Just fishing. --Trying to avoid the trial and error approach. Thanks for your help.

PS. I just moved to Atlanta from Macomb, MI last summer. I saw you are in Dearborn. --Ford HQ! Yet, the Taurus was built down here. They just closed the plant this Fall.

 

[93rev2sev]

I'll do ya one e-better.

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=64945

 

[morebhp]

Wow! Somehow I missed this post in all of my searches. That's awesome man! Thanks a ton. --A few noob questions:

So, regarding the parts, the ones you list here is all I'll need? My compressor is good so that's staying put. I'm asking because I want to replace everything in between the compressor, condenser and evaporator. --You know, all the hose, tubes and canister/drier parts that rust and leak and look like crap.

I'm seeing only three in your post; accumulator (TEM200680), liquid line (TEM200955) and Discharge/suction line (TEM282810). Seems like there should be more. (what do I know) I'm just guessing from what I recall after looking underneath. Looks more complicated than just three parts. (just double-checking)

So these all come from NAPA with the o-rings included? There's no tool required to assemble these couplings? Is the tool only for disconnecting? --Sorry for all the questions, I'm totally ignorant on this A/C stuff. I can do brakes and plugs all day but this stuff is totally foreign.

Thanks again, you've already been a tremendous help.

 

[92inPA]

I replaced all the lines, including the condenser, dryer and compressor in my 95 mtx last summer. All lines for the 95 mtx are available, except for the one line that bolts to the compressor and runs to the dryer. I was able to have that old line made locally. If you still need part numbers and info, I kept all my notes and receipts.

 

[morebhp]

Bob, thanks. That's encouraging. So, just to make sure I'm clear on the missing part, is it the part in the image below indicated by the green arrow? Thanks for your help! --Mark

 

[92inPA]

Yes, that is the one. The tubing was in good shape, but the hose had deteriorated. A local shop cut off the hose from the manifold tubing and replaced all the rest out to & including the connector for the dryer.

 

[morebhp]

Perfect. Excellent info to have. Thanks so much!

 

[morebhp]

Bob, another question about that part. I found this part (see below) at NAPA. I specificed my exact vehicle, including the 3.0 DOHC engine and this is what they show. Could this be it? What do you think?

Thanks --Mark

http://geocities.com/morebhp/images/achoseassylg.jpg

 

[92inPA]

No, the hose assembly in the photo will not fit. I found that NAPA's listings are all screwed up for AC stuff. All of my records are at home, but I'm at work. When I get home tonight I will dig out the folder of information.

 

[morebhp]

I see. How nice. I guess it's too much to expect for them to have the correct parts.

Thanks Bob. I appreciate the help.

Mark