Installing new AC System on 2000 T4R

[BamaDrewski]

Ok. So my AC crapped out after working perfectly for 14 years. Major leak somewhere. Took it to a local "reputable" shop here and they claimed it needed everything from an amplifier to a compressor. They also said they took the amplifier out and "tested" it but to do that, you have to remove the glove box and I know for a fact they didn't. Long story short; they quoted $1,098 to put on some cheapo aftermarket parts, vacuum down and re-charge. I paid the $70 diagnostic fee and left.

I sourced a new compressor, new condenser, drier/receiver, evaporator and expansion vale (ALL DENSO - BRAND NEW) from Amazon. (Cost was $547.94 delivered) I also have a new O-ring gasket kit for the entire system. I have been studying the internet for a week or so. I want to get up to speed before I tackle this. I also have all the FSM's. If any has done this before, I would welcome any tips/comments/suggestions.

Once I have cleaned all the tubes and lines and have all the new parts in, I am taking it to a shop to have them pull a vacuum for at least and hour (to get rid of any moisture) and then have them fill her up. I am hoping I will be good to go and get another 14 years out of this system.

 

[jkoni426]

never heard of an ac amplifier before, sounds like bs to me. they should've been able to inject dye into the system and find the leak that way. my ac leak was found on the drainage tube from the box that houses the evaporator and expansion valve, so I replaced both as well as the receiver/drier, fixing my non working ac. now my compressor is noisy, go figure.

good luck, it's pretty straight forward.

 

[zacattack20]

I did this. And it is pretty straight forward if you are just replacing everything. Just clean all the lines and make sure not to pinch an o-ring when putting back together. And then add oil to the compressor before putting back together. The FSM will say how much for each part you replace. It also says to use ND-8 or something like that, I can't remember. But that's hard to find at the auto stores, PAG-46 is the equivalent.

 

[TheDurk]

I did this. And it is pretty straight forward if you are just replacing everything. Just clean all the lines and make sure not to pinch an o-ring when putting back together. And then add oil to the compressor before putting back together. The FSM will say how much for each part you replace. It also says to use ND-8 or something like that, I can't remember. But that's hard to find at the auto stores, PAG-46 is the equivalent.

The oil part is key. The shop will want to know how much oil is in the system. The compressor comes with a certain amount. Then you can add the rest to receiver/dryer to get the total. If the oil is not in the system when you bring it in, the shop will charge you extra for adding it. You need to get some PAG-46 anyway to lube the O-rings as you assemble. This is a must.

I did this on a BMW, not the 4Runner. I went out and got a 2-stage vacuum pump and a set of gauges from HF for a little over $200 and charged it myself. BMW is still cooling well 2 years later. Gauges and pump have now paid for themselves as I did my other son's Hyundai Accent last year.

 

[heat]

the amplifier is the guts of the auto temp control.

These guys were in CYA mode- make sure the job doesn't come back, at least not because something breaks, by replacing everything..