First, both condenser bolts broke off. fixed it by screwing condenser holders into the radiator support (on top). Now, I found out that to remove the manifold, the whole compressor needs to be unbolted. Not a problem, except I cannot get to the upper bolt. Simply not enough space for a ratchet, and not enough torque for a small (10 mm) wrench, which keeps sliding off. This is the third day of work on this "1.5 hr" job...
UPDATE - Finished! flat 10 mm wrench loosened the upper compressor bolts. The compressor moved forward just enough to allow me to put a small ratchet wrench on the manifold bolt. Once that was done, I had to cut up the old hose, because someone routed rubber snorkel hose between two AC hoses, so that manifold could not be removed. Still, cannot attach the aluminum cylinder on the high pressure hose located directly above the AC compressor. It has an "L" shaped tab that supposed to somehow slide in (pointing toward the rear of the engine), but the tab prevents the whole cylinder from being securely bolted on to the engine (just below the valve cover). What am I missing?
UPDATE 2 - brought the car back to get it recharged. 4 ring gaskets failed. Apparently, SANTECH INDUSTRIES Santech MT2529 A/C System O-Ring and Gasket Kit is NOT appropriate for 2000 Ford Expedition. Unfortunately, these failed one by one, not at once, so they had to recharge/evacuate twice and replace 4 gaskets. Total bill - $989. That's after 3 afternoons spent replacing the hoses. I give up.
UPDATE - Finished! flat 10 mm wrench loosened the upper compressor bolts. The compressor moved forward just enough to allow me to put a small ratchet wrench on the manifold bolt. Once that was done, I had to cut up the old hose, because someone routed rubber snorkel hose between two AC hoses, so that manifold could not be removed. Still, cannot attach the aluminum cylinder on the high pressure hose located directly above the AC compressor. It has an "L" shaped tab that supposed to somehow slide in (pointing toward the rear of the engine), but the tab prevents the whole cylinder from being securely bolted on to the engine (just below the valve cover). What am I missing?
UPDATE 2 - brought the car back to get it recharged. 4 ring gaskets failed. Apparently, SANTECH INDUSTRIES Santech MT2529 A/C System O-Ring and Gasket Kit is NOT appropriate for 2000 Ford Expedition. Unfortunately, these failed one by one, not at once, so they had to recharge/evacuate twice and replace 4 gaskets. Total bill - $989. That's after 3 afternoons spent replacing the hoses. I give up.
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