A/C manifold line

[DoobieBrother]

Ok. I have a `99 Expedition 5.4L 4x4. A/C has not been cooling. Dealer says it's a leak in the A/C manifold line. I pretty much believe it because there is some green wetness on it that looks like freon leakage. The thing is they are quoting me $246 for the part, and about $700 total. Now I know they have to suck the system down, and move the compressor to take care of it, but geez, $400+ for labor. Seems very excessive. Anyone have any thoughts or experience on this?

[DoobieBrother]

Better yet, is it possible to simply patch this thing with some sort of compound on the outside and charge the stink'n thing up.

[Quintin]

The green you're seeing is UV dye. The price on the manifold line is about right, list is like $214 or so with auxillary air (P/N XL1Z-19D850-BA. Along with a drain, sweep, and recharge, we charge 1.4 hours plus however much refrigerant you'd need. I did the manifold line on my F250 before, but then again I had the engine out at the same time

My rough guestimate based on what the stealership I work at charges:

Manifold line: $240
Drain, sweep, recharge: Approx. $105 labor plus $2/oz of 134a, plus taxes, shop fees, etc al.
Labor to install manifold line: I'd say maybe an hour, hour and half tops, using a relatively low $70/hr labor rate, $70-100.

I wouldn't recommend any type of sealer, during the summer when ambient temps are high, head pressure in the A/C will be relatively high as well and might make short work of most sealers. All things being equal, I'd call around to some independent shops and get a second quote.

[guzman_marcos]

When changing manifold: should O-rings be change?

regards,

Marcos
97 Expy
Santo Domingo

[DoobieBrother]

You do need to change the O-rings.

FYI, I ended up purchasing the parts from http://www.rockauto.com/ for half of what dealer and others wanted. I was going to have a local shop evacuate and recharge for me and let me do the part, but they offered cheap enough to do it that I had them do it all for me. So, in short, the dealer wanted well over $700 to do the job. I spent right at $300 total.

[Quintin]

Marcos sez...

When changing manifold: should O-rings be change?

Highly recommended, you'll already be in there, might as well swap out the O-rings while you're at it.