Anything I should replace

[97ranger22bronco]

I got around to checking the A/C today and it is empty, no pressure. The previous driver reported that he didn't have AC, but with it being 15 years ago I have no way of knowing if it didn't have Freon then or if there's a leak that came while it sat.

Are there any A/C parts that you'd recommend replacing on general principles while I'm at it?

 

[Brain75]

if it were me, I'd go through the whole system and replace all the o-rings at a minimum... but I live in desert dry 0-15% humidity so o-rings, rubber, and plastic all die. (no ac on mine yet)

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[97ranger22bronco]

I'm in Texas so it sat through multiple 100+ summers...

 

[Brain75]

7 of the last 10 years in Austin myself so I hear ya... lack of humidity though is what pulls all the moisture out of the o-ring and causes them to get brittle.

 

[RobbieD]

Typically, the accumulator/dryer should be replaced anytime an AC system has been "open".

Realistically, in my opinion, you have two basic approaches.

1) Shoot it with a DIY charge-in-a-can, and see what you've got. It may blow cold, for a to-be-determined amount of time; or it'll puke and the problem area is obvious. A charge with dye is an option, and a charge with the right oil may be a good idea. If it's a small leak, you might get through a summer, and the UV dye will help find the leak. This approach can buy time, or it can show you what's wrong with the system right away. If the system is majorly pooched, see option 2.

2) Replace everything. At minimum, you can gamble on the evaporator but plan on new compressor, condenser, dryer, orifice valve, all hoses, and new o-rings throughout. Small parts (like overpressure and low pressure switches, the clutch) could also be optional. The problem is, replacement parts in general are garbage these days.

Before doing anything, it's a good idea to visually inspect all of AC components, looking for obvious oil stains. A slow leak or a puking (especially) will have oil in the escaping charge, and evidence of oil stains on components can provide a visual clue of the failure point.

If the compressor took a dump, you'll have to replace it all.

 

[97ranger22bronco]

From what I've been looking, I haven't seen any oil stains, so I'm kinda hoping that the system is intact overall, but who knows with this thing