AC Condensor has hole in it - ok to change myself?

[Ozz]

Greetings,
I started having a slow refrigerant leak last summer so I knew it would need to be filled this spring.
Tonight I put a couple cans of R134 in it. Long story short, when I shut the car off I could hear the refrigerant leaking out of the condenser - near the lower left hand corner. When I crawled under to look at it I could see the green dye that was in one of the cans I put in it along the way...

So - I need a condenser and someone to evacuate the system and refill it.

My questions:
1. Are there any special tools needed to swap the condensor (to split the connections, etc)?
2. Will any AC repair shop or dealership be able to get the system filled properly after I do the swap?
3. Are there any other problems I need to watch for?

Unless someone knows of a cheaper place to get one, I'll probably order one from RockAuto.com

THANKS!

[JBFTech]

Yes you can replace it yourself, just have the system evacuated first. If you do need any special tools, it would only be a quick-disconnect set, which you can get at most parts stores cheap. Be sure that when you have the system recharged, they pull a vacuum on it for at least 30 min to clear out any moisture.

[B.C. Bake]

One thing you should borrow or have is a vacuum pump, and ac gauges and is sometimes worth going to a mechanic. The vacuum pump is good to leave on for awhile to get rid of any moisture. :)

[Ozz]

Yes you can replace it yourself, just have the system evacuated first. If you do need any special tools, it would only be a quick-disconnect set, which you can get at most parts stores cheap. Be sure that when you have the system recharged, they pull a vacuum on it for at least 30 min to clear out any moisture.

Ok, thank you!
I have fuel line disconnect tools so I'm hoping that is what the AC lines use too...

Thanks again.

[JBFTech]

Ok, thank you!
I have fuel line disconnect tools so I'm hoping that is what the AC lines use too...

Thanks again.

Same tool design as fuel line disconnect tools, just larger sizes are needed for the A/C lines! If you have the full set then you are good to go. I can't recall off the top of my head if they are needed for the condenser or not, I believe the lines going to the condenser are peanut fittings, only need a 13mm wrench or deep socket for those, just remember that when you go back together, to just snug these, don't over tighten! But you will for sure need the line disconnects if you need to move the accumulator or unhook anything else in the system.

[MyBlackBeasts]

Do you know how to service a/c components?

They require training & skill beyond the normal DIY.

Failure to follow correct service procedures will guaranty early failure of parts, system &/or charge.

Good luck with the repair.

[Ozz]

Do you know how to service a/c components?

They require training & skill beyond the normal DIY.

Failure to follow correct service procedures will guaranty early failure of parts, system &/or charge.

Good luck with the repair.

I know that AC service requires special equipment (for evacuating the system and refilling it) but other than making sure everything is very clean when I disconnect/reconnect the lines in question, what else is required?

I have the Ford service proceedure for this repair and it pretty much says, evacuate remaining R134 (of which I have none now), remove plastic radiator cover, loosen radiator brackets at top, remove condensor brackets, unhook lines, tilt radiator rearward to remove condensor - reverse proceedure to install new condensor.
Obviously I'm not going to evacuate and refill the system myself so is there anything else I'm missing?

Thanks!

[RoyLPita]

Find out if PAG oil is to be added to the system and how much. If you use too much (or too little), the compressor could sieze up in time.