Accidenally lost all my AC refrigerant!

Jul 02, 2005 Last reply: 21 years ago 3 Replies

I had a motor vehicle accident and smashed up the front of my 2002 Ranger. All the refrigerant rapidly leaked out and it started blowing hot air. I turned off the AC and haven't used it since, but am wondering about the repairs. Will a new condensr coil and refill be enough, or should I worry about other parts?



Since the system has been 'open', it will be full of moisture. Condenser and accululator/dryer will have to be replaced. The orfice tube should also be looked at/ replaced while the system is down.....they aren't expensive. The system will have to have a vacuum pulled on it to get the moisture out and make sure it's leak-tight. Once all that has been accomplished, then the refridgerant can be installed. Make sure you follow the instructions concerning installing oil in the new accumulator/dryer. Use new 'O'-rings on the new parts.

Hope this is of some use......

Dave S(Texas)

As long as you did no damage compressor from lack of freon, it should be okay after a parts swap. Besure to add a few ounces of the proper kinda of A/C oil to make up for what is lost with a condensor change too and vacum down system before recharge. You might want to change dryer too and add oil for it too according to instruction with new one if system as been discharged for a while.

Last time I replace a dryer as I suggested up the thread, it came with new O rings. Changing the orfice is not a bad idea though it is not a most do.

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