I keep going back to one of Ralph’s lines (not that he subscribed to it but recognized it was a necessary method sometimes). “Fix what you can. What’s left is what’s wrong”.

I don’t think an AC clutch is that expensive or difficult to do. I’ve never done one so I can’t speak from experience. I think it will require a puller but so what. So does a power steering pump and that’s no big deal. Maybe a tool you can get on loan from parts store. And I dont think you have to disconnect lines. Maybe loosen compressor to buy a little wiggle room. Not sure. I’m sure you can study it and figure it out. If it doesn’t fix it, then you enter the, “What’s left is what’s wrong” stage without having sunk much dough into it. Wouldn’t be the first time.

 

Take it to someone that knows what they are doing, and is actually WILLING to do the work. Sounds to me like ALL he is going to do is make sure the refrigerant level is correct......

 

Am I right in thinking pulling a vacuum will tell if there are any leaks? I would expect it to not be able to create a vacuum if there is a leak. But IDK if the whole system is open to being tested this way.

 

It may hold a vacuum, but, will it hold pressure???? I always had a problem with that particular aspect of testing. Two entirely different scenarios.... My truck, for instance, will hold a vacuum for 30 minutes, but, if you recharge it, it's all gone in a day or two.....

 

OK. Then definitely get them to agree to make sure the system works properly and won't need to be fixed again. It lasted 29 years the first time...

 

I'm amazed at how long these ACs last in these Dodges. I haven't done squat with my AC and it still blows cold. And I'm on R12.

 

So I called a guy anyway when I said I wanted to be sure it was fixed and I wouldn't have to come back in a few months he said "Well that is the goal." he quoted me $150 to diagnose fully (they pressurise the system to test it, I didn't think to ask of they were going to look for leaks as it seemed implied) and agreed to let me buy and install any parts it may need. I have to wait an extra week for the appointment but at least I feel like he was being straight with me.

 

This AC was warm when I got it but charging it up made it work until last year.

 

Finding a good mechanic is a forum all its own. I’ve been fortunate to find a couple good ones. Others retired and new ones took over that were horrible. It’s always evolving. Last time I went to a dealer mechanic was about 6 years ago. Wife’s AC evaporator went out in her Jeep. Yep, gotta rip the entire dash out. Major job. I felt it was best to have someone who has done it before do the job. That means the dealer. Anyone else not familiar with the Jeep dash (incl me) will undoubtedly end up with a pile of extra hardware when they were done. Didn’t want that.

Hope this guy gets you figured out. Helps to have all the equipment to vacuum, fill, pressurize, etc.

 

The sensor came in yesterday. It is 9/16. I go out to put it in and the existing sensor is smaller than 9'16 and larger than 1/2. I have no thin wall 13mm socket. I did put a 13mm end wrench on it and that is the right size. No room to turn it with the end wrench even with the ratcheting box side it will not go onto the nut for the heater hose being so close. I must have replaced the other sensor as I recall being in here and doing a sensor with the tools I have. Then I realised I put them in when I had the intake off right after I had it tanked. So I would have had access to it w/o the alt in the way. I'm resting as I had a fall the other day and now have two bad knees. I may take the alt off or I may just go try and get a thin wall 13mm deep socket.