A/C help???

BadASSDakota500 · Jul 18, 2006

I havn't had A/C in my truck for the past year, and decided to have it checked out today. I guess its the clutch (main problem) but can only be bought with the compressor. So they said that that would be $600, but to make the warranty valid other things needed to be changed (though wasn't paying attention after I heard the price). I think one was the evaporator core? Anyways, they said for all that it would be $1000. But then they would find where the leak was coming from, which who knows how much that that would cost me.

Now, I am thinking of buying the compressor/clutch myself (just a used one) and replacing it. But should I worry about other things? My truck has damn near 200K on it right now. Then I could take it in and have them charge it, and put dye to find out where the leak is. Then either I could replace that too, or have them do it if cheap enough.

Between my dad and I, we can do all this work, it's no big deal. But do you guys have any advise, opinions, or anything else?

Thanks in advance

cloknem · Jul 18, 2006

BadASSDakota500 said:
I havn't had A/C in my truck for the past year, and decided to have it checked out today. I guess its the clutch (main problem) but can only be bought with the compressor. So they said that that would be $600, but to make the warranty valid other things needed to be changed (though wasn't paying attention after I heard the price). I think one was the evaporator core? Anyways, they said for all that it would be $1000. But then they would find where the leak was coming from, which who knows how much that that would cost me.

Now, I am thinking of buying the compressor/clutch myself (just a used one) and replacing it. But should I worry about other things? My truck has damn near 200K on it right now. Then I could take it in and have them charge it, and put dye to find out where the leak is. Then either I could replace that too, or have them do it if cheap enough.

Between my dad and I, we can do all this work, it's no big deal. But do you guys have any advise, opinions, or anything else?

Thanks in advance

first of all, nice truck
have you tried to troubleshoot the system? when did you notice it going out? was it a gradual or sudden?

did you charge the system to see if the clutch kicks in? bad o-rings are a common cause of leaks. shoot in some dye to find the leak. however, the hvac system requires special tools to change out the o-rings, a vacuum pump, and guages? imo, if you don't have the tools, you may come out cheaper having it done.

BadASSDakota500 · Jul 18, 2006

I don't know how to personally use dye to find a leak. I have charged it before, but to no avail. The shop I took it to diagnosticed it, and the clutch didn't engage, so that needs replaced, then find the leaks.

Oh yeah, thanks for the compliment!

k9crawford · Jul 19, 2006

I would check out this shop they not only sell a/c parts but have an online help board that can help you diagnose problems.

http://www.ackits.com/

cloknem · Jul 19, 2006

BadASSDakota500 said:
I don't know how to personally use dye to find a leak. I have charged it before, but to no avail. The shop I took it to diagnosticed it, and the clutch didn't engage, so that needs replaced, then find the leaks.

Oh yeah, thanks for the compliment!

maybe the shop is right about the clutch not engaging but do you know if they checked the compressor clutch relay?

BadASSDakota500 · Jul 19, 2006

Yes they did, it was bad, but still the same thing after they fixed that.

modain · Jul 19, 2006

If there is not enough pressure in the system the clutch won't come on. Is there (any) refrigerant in the lines?

BadASSDakota500 · Jul 19, 2006

The low pressure side was at like 50psi when they first plugged it in, but by the time they were done it was down to like 20psi. The high pressure side was flat at 0. Maybe I will take it into another shop and see what they have to say.

cloknem · Jul 19, 2006

well obviously you have a leak. i would venture to say a good size one. that's going to have to be fixed first. there won't be any high pressure if the compressor is not running. check around the couplings on the low side for light oil and dirt deposits. your leak will possibly be there.

BadASSDakota500 · Jul 21, 2006

Just got back from the dealership who checked it out for me. They were going to charge it and put dye in it, and then I would come back in a week to find out where it is coming from. Well, they found it immediately...a hole in the clutch. They wanted $407 for just the clutch, I can buy a brand new compressor and clutch for $245. Then they wanted 2.5 hours of labor, which would be $280, but they only charge $76 per hour, don't know if they don't know their math or what. So do you guys think it would be just the clutch and I should be good to go?

cloknem · Jul 21, 2006

according to the service manual,

A/C Compressor Clutch Replacement

REMOVAL
The refrigerant system can remain fully-charged during compressor clutch, pulley, or coil replacement. The compressor clutch can be serviced in the vehicle.

to me it looks like a very complicated job requiring a few special tools. the good thing is you won't have to open the system. maybe a smaller shop could do it cheaper.

could you take a pic of the clutch?

BadASSDakota500 · Jul 21, 2006

I can give it a shot, though not sure how well it would look inside the vehicle. There are several for sale on ebay that may be a better picture, since its out of the vehicle.

A/C help???

BadASSDakota500

cloknem

BadASSDakota500

k9crawford

cloknem

BadASSDakota500

modain

BadASSDakota500

cloknem

BadASSDakota500

cloknem

BadASSDakota500

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