Have a '94 F-150 scab with a 5.0V-8
A/C took a crap on me last week and (i know now) the compressor started making some pretty bad noise.
Today I thought the truck in front of me had bad brakes. It was my compressor overheating. Almost caught fire.

My question is how do I evacuate the system so I can replace the compressor and are there any tricks to removing and replacing it. It looks pretty straight foward but looks are always deceiving when it comes to mechanics for me.

thanks

 

Well, most likely you may want to have someone discharge your system (environmental policy and punishable under law) from what I hear, of course that's if you get caught!!!! All you really have to do is let it drain, and remove the lines/ belt/ pulley etc. I'd read a chilton or haynes manual because they're good. I went to the dealer for an A/C inspection last week, they told me I was low on refrig. and my compressor leaked and clutch was seizing!!! One thousand dollars parts and labor, so I said no dice. All I figured I was down a little on juice, but they wanted 1 g outta me. Took it to a nother place, standard fee for inspection and was down almost 1 pound. They also said the compressor should have a little leak (normal) because it's not a closed system?? Something like that. Basically, there was a small amount, like no bigger than my finger nail. Almost got it in the **** there. My A/C never worked so good, no noise, nothing!!! Point is.... try doing the labor yourself and look on ebay for a compressor. The compressor from the dealer, with pulley, clutch, and unit itself was about 500. On ebay, they are like 100-200 new and included is the pulley and clutch I believe.

Just see how much to discharge the system and buying a new unit, then a recharge and pressure test. Chilton's or Haynes manual too!