89 GT A/C Advice

[Abruzzese]

In order to pull the engine on my 89 GT, I'll have to discharge the A/C refrigerant and plug the lines to the compressor. I had it retrofit to 134A a few years ago. I'm a fair mechanic, but have never fooled with A/C. The Ford service manual was written for the old style system and was not much help.
I've been wanting to buy the equipment to recharge the system myself anyways. Would this equipment discharge the system? Any recommendations as to equipment or on-line tech help? Thanks.

[Dan B.]

Just set the stuff to the side. You don't have to break the system open.

[Abruzzese]

It looks like two rigid lines run from the firewall to the compressor. Seems like it would be best to get these out of the way. The system needs recharged anyways, so I think I'd prefer to get them out of the way.

[Erics89GT]

just eliminate the ac.....less weight more power plus looks cleaner

[Terminated]

just eliminate the ac.....less weight more power plus looks cleaner

x11ty billion

[torqueboxer]

If you open up the system you gotta replace the air dryer if you want good performance ( it's the can that hangs behind the pass side valve cover). When it gets exposed to air the desiccant will soak up moisture and not work well anymore

[Abruzzese]

Thanks for the tip. Could I vacuum out the system, remove the lines to the compressor and plug what's left to minimize moisture intrusion? I'm not sure how to capture the refrigerant though. Or is 134A safe to release into the atmosphere?

[torqueboxer]

You really don't have to open up the ac to pull he motor. If you want to keep the 134a then you need a vacuum pump/ manifold set/ empty refrigerant bottle. Depending on the size of the pump you buy it'll probably take 1/2-1 hour to evac he whole system I'd save the 300-500$ on he ac tools and put it toward some performance parts

[Abruzzese]

Thanks Bud, I'll just leave it hooked up.