on1chi
New Member
I am a novice when it comes to DIY car repairs, but I have the opportunity to learn something now that I inherited a 1998 Ford Expedition with a failed AC compressor (diagnosed by a Ford dealership). The dealership said the compressor was leaking refrigerant, that there was no refrigerant left, and that it had to be replaced. To save some money and learn something I plan on fixing this myself.
I will be trying to do some self diagnostics since someone said if the compressor was leaking it may just be the O-rings, but if that was true I am guessing I will probably need to replace the receiver-driver, do a flush anyways.
Assuming the AC compressor needs to be replaced, I found that the warranty for replacement Motorcraft parts requires the following:
"To effectively restore an air conditioning system after compressor failure or other system contamination, in addition to compressor replacement, the following should also be completed: 1) Replace the accumulator/receiver drier. 2) Replace the expansion valve. 3) Replace the hose assemblies. 4) Perform a complete system flush and install an in-line pancake filter (YF-2575). 5) Replace the condenser (on vehicles built prior to 1995)"
A few questions about the above:
1) Are the hose assemblies just the liquid line, drier/accumulator assembly, and the manifold hoses?
2) I cannot find information on "approved A/C line flushes" as dictated by the terms of the warranties. Is there a specific A/C line flush kit I need to use?
3) I cannot find much information on the pancake filter. Where can I learn more about using this? It is only temporary right?
4) I don't understand the terms for the condenser. I thought newer cars needed the condenser to be replaced since flushes wouldn't work with newer condensers.
Some other questions:
5) Is replacing the condenser necessary? I seem to get mixed answers. Many point to "yes" since flushes aren't effective... but those condensers can get pricey.
6) Are aftermarket parks from DENSO and Fourseasons any good? They are considerably cheaper than the Motorcraft parts for things like the receiver-drier.
7) Are those aftermarket parts going to be enough to keep the Motorcraft compressor warranty? It doesn't say the specific brand of those components, so I assume yes.
Thanks.
I will be trying to do some self diagnostics since someone said if the compressor was leaking it may just be the O-rings, but if that was true I am guessing I will probably need to replace the receiver-driver, do a flush anyways.
Assuming the AC compressor needs to be replaced, I found that the warranty for replacement Motorcraft parts requires the following:
"To effectively restore an air conditioning system after compressor failure or other system contamination, in addition to compressor replacement, the following should also be completed: 1) Replace the accumulator/receiver drier. 2) Replace the expansion valve. 3) Replace the hose assemblies. 4) Perform a complete system flush and install an in-line pancake filter (YF-2575). 5) Replace the condenser (on vehicles built prior to 1995)"
A few questions about the above:
1) Are the hose assemblies just the liquid line, drier/accumulator assembly, and the manifold hoses?
2) I cannot find information on "approved A/C line flushes" as dictated by the terms of the warranties. Is there a specific A/C line flush kit I need to use?
3) I cannot find much information on the pancake filter. Where can I learn more about using this? It is only temporary right?
4) I don't understand the terms for the condenser. I thought newer cars needed the condenser to be replaced since flushes wouldn't work with newer condensers.
Some other questions:
5) Is replacing the condenser necessary? I seem to get mixed answers. Many point to "yes" since flushes aren't effective... but those condensers can get pricey.
6) Are aftermarket parks from DENSO and Fourseasons any good? They are considerably cheaper than the Motorcraft parts for things like the receiver-drier.
7) Are those aftermarket parts going to be enough to keep the Motorcraft compressor warranty? It doesn't say the specific brand of those components, so I assume yes.
Thanks.
