2004 Mustang GT Compressor change

The answer to your question depends largely on WHY you are changing the compressor. If it is simply leaking, then changing the receiver/dryer and maybe the orifice tube will get the job done. If OTOH, it was a catastrophic failure of the compressor, to prevent replacing the compressor a second time, you have a lot of work to do. In the case of catastrophic failure, trash and debris is scattered throughout the system and if left there, will destroy your new compressor.

Some folks, in some cases will simply add a suction side filter to protect the new compressor, but the best way to deal with this is to break every joint and THOROUGHLY flush ALL COMPONENTS. Once flushed, there is no oil remaining in the system, so consult the service manual for the volume of oil and it will also tell you how much oil to put back into each component. You don’t want all the oil in one place upon startup.

After the system is completely flushed and new O-rings installed, save receiver/dryer installation until you are ready for evacuation. Have everything ready to go and then remove the seals from the new r/d and put in place, then immediately start the vacuum pump. This will prevent the new drier from saturating before the system is evacuated.

Again, if you are simply replacing the compressor because it is leaking, then all this is not necessary, but if it failed internally, if you do not flush the system, you will get to do it when you replace the compressor the second time.

Hope this helps.

Very good! Remember, one of the reasons for changing the orifice tube is to inspect it and see if there is any debris. A few specks is okay, but if there is a lot of black stuff, consider flushing the system.

Good luck and I hope this helps.