The A/C in my truck stopped working last year, and this year I intend to fix it. I believe the problem is with the compressor clutch because it was making noise as it would engage or disengage. It was making this noise for a good year or so, and then one day the noise stopped and I have no A/C. So I am only `assuming` its the clutch. A new one at NAPA is $180. Has anyone tried changing these?

 

Before you buy anything, yoi may want to put a set of guages on it. It sounds like you are low on freon.

 

I just bought a refrigerant tester for the A/C system. I need to attach the connector to the A/C service port. The connector on the unit will not fit on the port I located which is near the battery. Is this the correct port, or is the connector on the tester simply the wrong size for my application?

 

I just checked the directions again, I need to locate the 'low-side' A/C port. Is this the port located near the battery or did Ford put the low side port in an impossible to find area to punish DIYers? I would assume the port size is supposed to be an industry standard so it should fit.....am I right?

 

The Low Side port is located in the line between the evaporator and compressor on the "suction" side of the system. Usually on the accumulator.

Just keep in mind that the gauge you are using will only tell you if there is "some" refrigerant in the system. It can't tell you how much. If it has markings like Low-Good- High, take it back or throw it away. If it has markings in psi, then it can be somewhat useful.