How to : AC Removal, Anyone have a step by Step?

Venom351R

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Apr 27, 2002
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My AC had to be discharged when I had the cam installed and since it no longer works I figure I might as well take it all out since I never really run it anyway. It will clean the engine bay up some and give me some weight savings. Does anyone have a link or write up on a step by step on how to take out all the AC components?
 
I removed mine and it is super easy.

you will need the line tool to undo the lines. They are IIRC little plastic rings that open on a hinge. You put them on the line were they join and wiggle/work the tool to release the line.

It takes longer to undo the compressor from the bracket than removing the rest of the A/C system.

I just started at the compressor and removed everything from there. Took maybe 15-20min. I even took time to put it up on a shelf nice and in order incase I ever put it back on.


P.S. the A/C stuff is HEAVY. It was probably about the same if not more than going alum. heads. It might even more than make up for the 351 block with your already alum. heads
 
The line tools are the same as you'd use to disconnect the fuel lines, or at least that's what I used. Get them at any parts store. As for a belt, just buy a few belts of different sizes, see which one fits, then return the rest.
 
Is there a way to discharge the AC system by yourself, or do you have to bring it to a shop. It's the only thing holding me back from taking mine off to. I already bypassed the pulley with a shorter belt.

You need to take it to a shop that does AC work and has the right equipment to evacuate an AC system. It should cost no more than $40-50.

94ChickStang - It's pretty simple. Get the system evacuated, get some AC line removal tools, and take out the compressor, drier/lines. You can take the condenser out by unbolting the brackets at the top of the radiator and tilting the radiator out and then you can pull the condenser out. Now if you want to take the evaporator under the dash out, that's a much bigger job as you have to take the dash out.
 
Is there a way to discharge the AC system by yourself, or do you have to bring it to a shop. It's the only thing holding me back from taking mine off to. I already bypassed the pulley with a shorter belt.

yeah, put a hole in your condensor(sp?) the radiator looking thing.

When doing a cam swap the first time on this car I went to pull mine out of the "cups" it rests in. Well my "cups" had some flash on the edges were they were cut I guess and I could not see them. When I lifted it up to remove they cought and tore a hole in the sucker. I was a little :mad::mad::mad:. I looked and there is no way I could of seen this it was on the inside/inner lip of the cup it sits in. I just went inside for a hour to so...when I came back I guess troll's emptied it :shrug:...:nonono:
 
it's really easlier than it looks, i just did it at the end of july. to make it alittle easier, don't buy the disconnect tool that looks like a sissor. i had a little trouble with one of the sizes, i got it off but it was a major PITA. If i just forked out the money for the better disconnect tools it would of went smoother.
 
it's really easlier than it looks, i just did it at the end of july. to make it alittle easier, don't buy the disconnect tool that looks like a sissor. i had a little trouble with one of the sizes, i got it off but it was a major PITA. If i just forked out the money for the better disconnect tools it would of went smoother.


Thanks, not sure when I'll get to doing mine. I'll find some weekend off when Im not really doing anything before winter sets in.
 
I would not plan to much time...I figured I would spend a few hours messing with it. Took me like 20min taking my sweet ol' time. I was mad it did not take near as long as I thought...I wanted to spend a good bit of time doing it to get my mind off things. I have never had that happen before or since.
 
:shrug:Does anybody want to sell their complete AC setup?

R U Serious? Sure! Only thing I'm not going to do is pull the dash, though. If you need that, I can't help you, not because I don't have it, but because I'm lazy.:rolleyes:

What's it worth to you? Keep in mind if you want me to box up the refrigerant, that'll cost extra.:D
 
Step 1. Remove everything associated with the A/C system.
Step 2. Stand back and marvel at the extra room you have and the weight loss you achieved.

I did this method. Ditto. I weighed it. 40#. I have the same block as you. When I get my car back, I will give you the belt size without the ac. How did you use your ac with the battery tray in the way?