[Steve91T]

The PO removed the AC from the firewall forward when it started leaking. I have a box full of the old parts but I'm not sure if I want to use them. Maybe the compressor is ok?

What do you think the best way to do this would be? I'm hoping to not spend a fortune.

This is for the 172k mile 2000 1SC.

Thanks!

[trackbird]

Make sure the parts aren't full of cob webs (have a shop clean them?) and put fresh o-rings on everything (you can buy a bulk pack of AC o rings for $8 at NAPA) and reassemble it. Pull a vacuum on it and make sure it holds, then charge it (don't forget to start with an oil charge, or you'll trash the compressor in short order). Replace the evaporator/dryer (round silver canister) and the orifice tube (usually $40 for the evaporator and $5 for the orifice tube....give or take a bit).

You'll need an AC vacuum pump. I have one, and Harbor Freight sells one. I don't know if you can rent one anywhere or not? It's handy to verify that it's holding vacuum before paying a shop to do that part and finding out that it's leaking and they spent 8 hours (and $600 in labor) trying to seal it up.