Re: You are the guys I need to talk to!
duanemyhre said:
My A/C died last year on my 1990 SC. I have checked the prices, and cant believe what it will cost me
So... I have decided to do it myself!
My compressor is shot. This FS 10 compressor will work on my car? Should I buy a remaned one or a Ford unit? About how much are they? Do they still use the FS 10 on late model cars? (Possible I could get one from a wrecking yard).
The 90 year uses the FS10. I'd recommend a new compressor... doesn't have to be Ford, or check with the people at
www.ackits.com.. they're rather proud of their rebuilds. A used one might be fine also, but its a matter of if you don't mind replacing it again later if it goes out. A used one's probably $50 at a junk yard, a rebuilt is usually $250, and new runs around $290.
And lastly... What else do I need to replace to get my A/C going again? (and do it right) I have been told several different stories buy local shops. Their prices start at $1000
They also have a
great article on black-death compressor failure and retrofits to r134A. You 'll note that they recommend a new condenser because the split path tube-n-fin r12 condensers are hard to flush.. I bought a new Go-Dan serpentine condenser which works better with r134a. You may be just fine with the old one. The trade off is the time to redo it, and the cost to evacuate/vaccuum/recharge the refrigerant if you don't like how its cooling.
A shop which knows what they're doing will tell you that you need to have the system flushed, new Orings, new liquid line, new accumulator, r134a adapter fittings, r134 compatible oil, and refrigerant. They will charge it by pulling a vaccuum and use guages on the high and suction ports and use about 32Oz of r134a. That works out to be about 80% of the original r12 amount which is the standard that the pros use. If they're real savvvy, they'll make a 1/2 turn CCW adjustment to the pressure switch. All of this is necessary, not just a parts sales job.
You could do most of the parts work yourself, and leave the vaccuum/charge for the shop if you're so inclined. I don't recommend the retro kits unless you have access to a vaccuum pump also.
Good luck.