A/C experience requested

2003 expedition 5.4 4wd. Found a pinhole leak in the hose assembly that runs to the compressor. I've been topping it off every few weeks this summer to keep things running. I would like to try the repair myself and I've been gathering as much information as I can to prepare for the job. My biggest problem is I can not get to the compressor from underneath, or on top, it is blocked in from all angles. If anyone has any suggestions on how I can get to the compressor on a 2003 that would be appreciated.

I've received a pretty tempting quote on what a service center would charge me to only replace the hose, and I will go that route unless I get some revelation that shows me how to get to the bolt that is attaching the hose manifold to the compressor. The system otherwise seems fine, but as I understanding I should also replace the drier. The drier is positioned where I am comfortable replacing it myself. I am also planning on replacing the expansion valve, because I have heard noise that I believe is coming from the valve.

After the shop has replaced the hose assembly that attaches to the compressor, and then I replace the drier and expansion valve, I will use my gauge set (that I've borrowed) and a vacuum pump to remove moisture from the system and to make sure it can hold vacuum. I'm unsure of how much oil I should put in the system. I am confident I have a listing for the amount of oil the system requires, but since I'm not replacing the compressor, I expect there is a good amount of oil that will still be in the compressor. Do I need to be concerned about adding oil back into the system? If so how can I determine how much is needed? Do I just count on the fact that oil is in the compressor and only add half of the manufacture's amount?

Thanks for you help and advice.

A totally emptied AC system requires about 3.5 ounces of pag 46 ac oil. It's kinda of a line up and punt situation. I'd probably toss back in about an ounce to ounce and a half. There is no dipstick to know for sure.

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If someone repairs that hose, how do you know if it actually is sealed and holds a charge? What's their guarantee?

I would go with half the factory charge of oil too, if it was me. And refill the refrigerant to the proper amount.

Unfortunately you'll never know how much oil you lose so you need to guess. I would only add 1-1.5oz like moose said and call it good. Keep in mine you'll have oil trapped in the condenser, evap, lines and compressor so you'll have plenty.

I would remove the serpentine belt and pull the compressor itself to make removing the hoses easier. The lines are a nightmare with the compressor in place and as an HVAC technician I decided to send mind out when the compressor went just because it looked like a headache. I was more than capable to handle the job but its not a fun one so I passed.

The lines on top of the compressor are retained by one long 10mm bolt. With about 2' worth of extensions and a swivel 10mm socket you can get to the retaining bolt from the top. It will back out fairly far. It only needs to back out about a half inch, don't remove it completely. The line block will pop up and free. The real problem is how to remove the old O-rings off the compressor, and put new ones on. You can do it with some dental tools from the front, with good lighting or a helper aiming a bright light where you're working. Then the other ends of the line are fairly easy to reach from up top. A 1/2" deep socket is all you need for those nuts. New O-rings will probably come on the new line, just take a Q-tip dipped in PAG 46 oil and lube the O-rings before reassembly. To EVAC the system you can just use one of those Harbor Freight vac pumps, let it vac for an hour or so. If you don't already have all the tools and equipment and experience, I think you would be far ahead just paying a AC shop to replace the hose and vac and charge the system.

Helps to check the last date on thread replies.....

It's just for future reference Stamp, don't let it eat at you ....