Planning AC repair, replace condenser?

[jballard81]

Finally getting a parts order together to fix AC in my 94 ranger 4.0 XLT.
rockauto has a replacement compressor and component kit with condenser
-i want to replace the suction and discharge lines
-might as well replace the liquid line as well
Have i missed any other lines?

my system has been open to the atmosphere since i've owned it. i think the only thing i haven't decided on is the evaporator.

does that need replacing or flushing if i don't replace it?

thanks!

 

[franklin2]

Make sure you change the orifice/screen assembly. When you pull that out, you can see how much debris is in the screen.

It sort of depends on the history of the system as to what you can get away with. If it had a catastrophic compressor failure, yes you should replace the condenser in the front of the radiator. That is the first component after the compressor.

Definitely change the dryer. The screen in the orifice tube usually catches most debris before it gets in the evaporator. But if you want the best performance, you should at least remove the evaporator and clean it. These things are soaking wet when they run, and the environment these trucks are in is dirty. Over the years all the dirt and pollen sticks to the damp coil and turns to a mud that blocks it off. If yours is dirty, you will be surprised how much better your heater works just by externally cleaning the evap coil.

 

[Shran]

I would probably replace the condenser for sure. Judge that by how many of the fins are bent over by rocks & stuff... they get bunged up pretty easily. I would reuse one if I knew it was good but in the grand scheme of things they're not an expensive part, and it's sometimes easier just to start fresh than reuse old parts (I fought a vacuum leak on my Explorer's AC for weeks and replaced everything except the compressor, which was fine before, but it actually had a leak at the front seal, go figure )

x2 on cleaning the evap core. Pull it out and clean the exterior of it really well, it's probably plugged up with leaves & dirt like franklin said. It's kind of a pain to get out but it's worth doing.

 

[jballard81]

awesome. thanks for the feedback. since i have no background info from a previous owner on this AC, i'm going to go ahead and replace the condenser.

will clean the evap as well.

since i'm replacing everything (except the evaporator), should i still get one of those pressurized AC flush kits? kinda feel like i don't need it at this point, right?

 

[Shran]

Nah just flush the evap core out with brake cleaner and you'll be fine. Use compressed air to get it blown out.

It would not hurt to buy an extra o-ring kit when you order parts. At least one of the hoses I bought came with o-rings that didn't even fit.

 

[jballard81]

perfect. parts ordered.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

get a new orifice tube or make sure one of the lines comes with one.

 

[jballard81]

get a new orifice tube or make sure one of the lines comes with one.

The kit comes with one and I got an extra just in case I screw up

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I went through a few compressors. They were the cheapo brands, but a good one crapped out too. My buddy said its because I didnt change the condenser as well. His ranger did the same thing. I'll probably try it again this summer.

I keep a spare orifice tube in the glovebox.