How hard is it to change out the compressor, dryer and orifice tube on a 97 F150 with a 4.6 2 wheel drive? I am in dire need of help with this guys.

 

"How hard it is" depends on how experienced you are with automotive refrigeration systems, whether you're working indoors or out, & what tools you have.

But if it's ONLY the clutch, and you didn't let it go for too long, the compressor itself should be OK, so you wouldn't HAVE to open the refrigeration system. You could just find a clutch kit & swap it on.



However, if you let the clutch get REALLY hot, it will have cooked the front seal on the compressor shaft, and it will have to be replaced.

 

I have moderate mechanical experience, but hardly any refrig. experience. The compressor was softly rattling( may be too harsh of a description) a little when it would engage over the past six months. Do you think I may still be OK with a clutch kit?

 

It's not too hard, I replaced the AC compressor on my '97 4.6L F150 after it blew out on the interstate at 85 mph. It was kinda scary when sparks were flying out the back but it still came out in 1 piece. You just need a little patience, but I would try the clutch first if that is doable.

 

It shouldn't be too big a deal to do. If you replace the entire unit (Clutch and Compressor) as one piece.

If you get the clutch and compressor as seperate components then you will need some special tools to get it all together. (Ok not really special tools per say, but tools that most people don't have around, but can usually rent or find localy)

I had a '04 compressor from a low milage truck setting around that I installed in my '97. I had to install a new clutch because they were different.

The Ford Dealer quoted me $75 to evacuate and recharge my system, which I consider a pretty good deal considering. I'll have to get around to having that done one of these days.

But right now, we have snow again.

Goodluck,
Doug

 

I was told it would need to be flushed first in order to remove any shavings that may have come from the compressor if it is actually the problem and not just a clutch issue.

 

That's not entirely correct. If compressor has fragmented, any debris would be limited to the HI pressure side of the system - the orifice tube is double-filtered, so no solids will go thru it.



But according to Ford, flushing is not acceptable. If there's metal in the condenser, they say replace it.


Yeah, me either. But until you know it needs flushing, there's no point worrying about it. Pull the clutch & magnet off (leave the pulley installed) & take a look at the seal. If it looks OK, slip the clutch back onto the shaft & turn it by hand. If it feels tight & smooth, it's probably fine.

 

You guys never disappoint.