You should be able to do all of the flush part yourself. I'm rather miserly when it comes to repairs.. generally, if I can fix something, rather than replace it, I will. But, with the way the A/C is designed on Ford cars, there really aren't many short cuts if you want it to last more than one season.
Forget what I said about flushing the compressor.. it isn't possible. I found this out for myself by pulling my old one apart.. there are reed valves (sort of like what you'd find in a harmonica..but round) in there which aren't cleanable. If dessicant worked itself into the compressor, you only have 2 options: replace, or dissassemble and clean. BTW, thats not as hard as you think, in fact its rather easy if you're mechanicly inclined.
So here's my cheapest, but with some risk that you might still have problems solution:
- Flush the suction line (soak/shake/soak/blow out/repeat until clean) + manifold + high pressure lines with brake cleaner.
- Look real close at the condenser inlet.. _IF_ its clean and the high pressure line didn't yield much crud when you cleaned it, then PTL.. your condenser is probably just fine. If not, then REMOVE the condenser. You have to remove the radiator to do this, but not the IC. Fill it about 1/4 of the way with solvent. Tilt/twirl/flip around to work that solvent allll the way through.. then put some more in and repeat. Don't drain it yet.. (soak/shake/soak/repeat.. then drain by pushing compressed air through..drain it into something where you can see the contaminants. Compressed air can be provided with lung power and a section of rubber hose.. Now, do all of that again until the solvent comes out clean. Let it dry out for a couple of hours.
- This part I don't recommend much, but like I said.. cheapest solution... Remove the liquid line and reverse flush from the evaporator hookup backwards to the condenser.. Thats the end with the larger fitting. Pay close attention to the amount of contaminants which come out.
- It shouldn't be necessary to flush the evaporator, but do it if you wish. Be sure to let it dry completely.
- Get a new accumulator. No way around this.. its the savior of your system.. and yours is shot anyways. Keep it capped until the last minute to keep the dessicant dry.
- Now, about the compressor... Here's the deal.. Is it clean? Is there any gobs of melted dessicant in it? If so, you can replace it, or pull it apart and clean it. Its too involved for me to describe for now, so you'll have to get back with me if thats your choice.
- Now, put it all back together and add oil (PAG should be OK this time). 1 oz to the condenser, 1oz to the evaporator, 2 oz to the accumulator, 6oz to the compressor for a total of 10. Coat all new Orings with mineral oil and hook it all back up. Spin the compressor 10 times by hand to clear the oil out before you run it.
- Take it to an A/C shop where they can vaccuum and charge the refrigerant. They have the hoses and equipment to do this right and fast.
Thats about it. The cheapest solution I can think of. The risk is a partially clogged, and hence not as effective, condenser and a clogged Otube (No chance for cold air if this is the case).
Hope this helps.