AC Line Disconnect

[krs]

I am on a larger effort of pulling the engine. So far, I have pulled the fan and fan clutch, radiator, and am now onto the AC....

I am attempting to do an AC line disconnect. I have done it before (replaced the drying a couple of years ago) without a problem. I have tried to slide the little plastic disconnect tool in, and .... - pushed, pulled, slid, twisted, etc. - with no success.

Is it possible my disconnect tool needs to be replaced?

 

[tbirdsps]

I have found that a little WD-40 sprayed in the fitting with the spring works like a champ. Do make sure the system is empty or the experience can be unpleasant. You don't want any 134a near your eyes.

Try oiling it, it'll work. You'll just have to clean it up prior to reassembly or use a little PAG oil instead.

 

[06RangerXLT]

cant you unbolt from the pump? or just leave the pump in the truck.

 

[krs]

I did try some WD-40 - no luck...

The engine is coming out, so the ac compressor must come out. Maybe I could leave the hose with the compressor......

I was just following the ford service manual instructions....

 

[JP02XLT]

When I removed my engine and trans together, I removed the pump from the engine and unbolted the condenser & just carefully laid everything out of the way over the passenger fender without discharging it at all. It went right back together and the AC was fine.

JP02XLT

 

[06RangerXLT]

yea unbolt the ac from the motor and leave it all in the truck.

 

[locovaca]

I pulled mine and used a disconnect like you. As I recall I had trouble too with some of the springs, it just took a lot swearing and different angles.

 

[krs]

Unfortunately I have already openned up the system (following the Ford Service Manual instructions). From what I recall, if you open up the ac system, you should replace the dryer, which means I still need to disconnect this (un) quick-disconnect!

It is a new day - maybe with some different angles, holding my mouth just right, etc, I will get it!!

 

[krs]

Today at lunch time, I took the ac compressor off, and by swinging the now free ac line back and forth, was able to get it off the quick-connect next to the dryer. I think the spring was free, but the line with the o-rings and such was happy to stay in the other line rather than come free!

The way my ac line was wrapped around the engine, I would be surprised if the engine could come out without opening up the ac system, but apparently some have been successful!