2.5L ('98-'01) Disconnect Air Conditioning Before Pulling Engine?

[Henry68]

Getting ready to pull my 2.5L ranger engine for some repairs. Can the AC compressor and hoses be unbolted and carefully moved out of the way while the engine is being pulled and reinstalled without having to open the AC system? Has anyone done it this way and did it make the job a lot more difficult? The factory manual says "recover the refrigerant and disconnect AC lines before removing engine". I wanted to ask before screwing with a perfectly good operating AC system.

 

[Dirtman]

I just did a head and timing belt on a 2000 2.5 without disconnecting the AC and even that was fairly annoying. I'd say pulling the whole engine with the AC intact is "possible" but I don't think it's worth the hassle. Just disconnecting it and refilling the system after you're done would be a hell of alot less work then fighting your way around the compressor and lines in my opinion.

 

[tinman_72]

I haven't done it with my four banger Ranger but have done it with many other vehicles. I don't see why you couldn't.

 

[Xyke]

Getting ready to pull my 2.5L ranger engine for some repairs. Can the AC compressor and hoses be unbolted and carefully moved out of the way while the engine is being pulled and reinstalled without having to open the AC system? Has anyone done it this way and did it make the job a lot more difficult? The factory manual says "recover the refrigerant and disconnect AC lines before removing engine". I wanted to ask before screwing with a perfectly good operating AC system.

Yes. I have '01 2.5l and have pulled the engine twice without breaking open the a/c system. Use some stout zip ties to hold compressor & hoses out of the way. Take your time, be careful.

 

[89Twincharge]

Yes un bolt and lay to the side... bungee strap it so it doesnt move

 

[black_demon69]

easier to pull all accessories vs moving out of the way IMO