Ford Explorer Replace A/C Condenser

[@dmkaeding]

The hardest part is finding space to put all the removed pieces without losing them. Love your channel.

[@WatchWesWork]

So true!

[@sportsguy1992]

​@@WatchWesWork same with the 2017 Ford edge suv awd and the battery cable connects differently but you gotta do what you have to do

[@sportsguy1992]

​@@WatchWesWork question is where would there be any tow hooks on my 2017 Ford edge sel awd model

[@CAPNMAC82]

@@sportsguy1992 That's easy, with the AWD, you have to flatbed your Edge, it really can't be towed (and a reputable tow company s supposed to decline to wheel tow or they are on the hook for drivetrain damage).

[@jjbode1]

That job was way bigger than shown. Thank you for abbreviating it.

[@donbullock8790]

Hello Wes; Sadly in todays economy we have two choices, pay the price or do without. Even though the book says 6 hours you were lucky not to find frozen or broken bolts, bad connectors, well you get the drift. I always enjoy your videos, there's just not enough of them.

[@osrr6422]

My work car (Mazda 3) has what I believe is a bad pressure switch. I simply live without it.

[@SeersantLoom]

The AC in my old car deleted itself. It had a leak and bad compressor clutch coil. The climate here allows going around without AC, there's about month per year where you start wishing for it to work. While somewhat inconvenient, it did good for fuel economy. Around 15-20% less fuel consumption, it amounts to something. The repairs were quoted around 300EUR several years ago, probably don't wanna know today's prices.

[@clarencecoffin137]

Never had AC growing up, and usually forget it's there now. however , you no what they say. "if you can't stand the heat, don't ask me for a ride"!

[@rustyjeep2469]

First current model vehicle I worked on out of collision repair school... made me immediately reconsider getting into that industry.

[@andregooch2322]

That was spot on and you explained as you were removing the parts from the car and installing the new parts back in 🎉😅

[@Military-Museum-LP]

I didn’t know I could use the magnetic bolt bowl upside down! Learn with Wes 101! Thanks

[@vincebrown5158]

I thought the same thing...adding to my bag of tricks.

[@jockodog2009]

It works. The world is UPside down. The trim fasteners are the problem. They easily end up scattered into unknowable hiding places.

[@aserta]

Just be careful not to exceed your magnet's ability to hold shit on it. You'd pile the bolts/nuts whathave you on top, you'd think it's ok and then you shake something and when you're done and you wanna put shit back together you realize you lost one and start cursing whilst looking like an old lady who lost her glasses. TLDR, get a really powerful magnet one, cheapo specials are shit.

[@wurly164]

It wasn't upside down, he flipped the car on the roof, much easier working on the undercarriage 😉

[@terryharvey4811]

@@jockodog2009 RIGHT, works on metal, not so good on plastic.

[@TyphoonVstrom]

To misquote an old saying- "The quality is forgotten, but the price is always remembered".

[@JDMSwervo2001]

I like how he looks at the car and back at the camera repeatedly

[@dcpack]

Right now I am kind of thankful I bought my truck while living in Ak and I have learned how to live in MO without A/C.

[@MortskeRepair]

At the start I have was hoping you’d say “You know what pisses me off? When the customer says they’ve worked on it before and that they know what the problem is.”

[@petegraham1458]

True!

[@Jay-lc1nh]

That's why we watch your show too Mortske, for a nice balance of saninity.

[@philtowle4683]

When very drunk once I thought about creating a comedy character whose catchphrase was "Doesn't it really piss you off when.." everyone else didn't find it as funny as me.

[@MortskeRepair]

@@philtowle4683 "You know what grinds my gears?"

[@FourbrrlGrabber]

If they already "know"... I let them be right and do as requested with disclaimers...

[@ralphcrume2173]

Old customer new customer , no money no workie. Reminds of a sign I seen long time ago in a shop. In GOD we trust. All others pay cash ! Seems like a good way to do business

[@hanssundkvist]

Thats one advantage of living here in the north of Sweden, we can cope without A/C those few days in the summer that is actually warm... :-D

[@WatchWesWork]

We can too, but people are babies.

[@markamcampbell6340]

I glade you got the internet back.

[@josh33025]

I'll be honest I rarely use the a/c. Just the windows down is good enough for me. Probably being a construction worker being in the heat all day makes me used to it.

[@janeames1513]

i work in a steel mill and haven't had a/c in my car for almost 4 years..i call my a/c 2-70...2 windows down going 70 mph down the highway..but i grew up with no a/c in the cars or even in the house..we had box fans in the windows at the house

[@zombienectar]

mad respect from Canada. Never thought of using the magnetic dish upside down under the car !! ( forehead palm slap )

[@mikemaccracken3112]

Looking rough Wes. Gotta be tough getting parts and with prices going through the roof. I wish you and your family the best in these difficult times.

[@lostintime8651]

Actually the price is not the real issue. Getting the parts or anything else is the hard part.

[@Me-zo8yc]

I lost it at "It's not the best....but it is the cheapest"

[@charleshenshaw9099]

It seems that auto repair is a lot like fishing, you have to hold your mouth right before the magic will happen. Cheers

[@mph5896]

I pretty much order most of my car parts online. Takes a few days, in which I can usually wait. OEM condenser for that Explorer is $210 shipped. I am over buying junk parts that don't work or fit out of the box.

[@billsargent3407]

@@charleshenshaw9099 Thats a saying I got from my greatgrandfather...

[@onebigbirdbird1174]

Very clear and understandable. That must have been family that needed this done with no $. Yes the whole world has gone nuts on everything

[@johndunbar2393]

My air conditioner in my pickup never goes bad and has worked like a champ, since 1980............it's called butterfly windows.

[@JohnSmith-tv5ep]

Only downside is when a bee gets sucked in and ricochet into yer lap doin 60 ! Lol (been there!)

[@johndunbar2393]

@@JohnSmith-tv5ep I had a wasp get blowed in once, but never a bee. Needless to say, my steed was dancing around the road pretty good till I brought it to a halt and handled the situation.

[@pi1797]

Just pray it is not a Yellowjacket… Been there. A Yellowjacket got in my old car a 75 Plymouth. That car stopped on a dime.. 😂😂

[@peterstill502]

It had never occurred to me, in over half a century of working on cars, that you could use a magnetic parts tray upside-down! Thanks Wes!

[@williamb2642]

It’s not the best…but it is the cheapest. That one had me spitting coffee. Absolutely, because hey, why not.. if it fails we can just do it all again. Thanks for sharing your day!

[@ScoobyMaxC]

And just like that the weekend got better! Glad to see you found a way to inject some magic smoke back into your internet connection and/or encouraged the donkey back onto the treadmill. Fantastic work and humour as always 👍🏻.

[@WatchWesWork]

He's limping along.

[@lifekludger]

Nice to see you back after the internet outage.

[@paulkoontz6095]

Not only are parts more expensive but the new ones can be unreliable. Hard to keep the old rigs on the road. Great video. Have a good one.

[@mnmarlin6074]

Like Eric O from South Main Auto says "just because its new doesnt mean its good'

[@shark3136]

"I don't see any more pieces. So, I guess that means we're done". Awesome.

[@mummabear01]

Welcome back, Wes. You are my favorite KZbin mechanic. Always remember, no news is good news.

[@K3NnY_G]

Prices like these are why I drive a Toyota from 2005.

[@benjamingirard339]

Took my vehicle in for rear brakes. I was expecting $600-$700. Mechanic called and said $4200. They "found" a whole list of crap to fix. I said nope! Rear brakes! Dude was so pushy and rude I ended up going and getting it. Replaced rotors and pads myself for about $250. I wish I lived closer, you would get all my business. 👍👍

[@mph5896]

$4200 for just brake repair? Is that even possible🤔🤔

[@laveritesurlestemoinsdejeh8522]

@@mph5896 Not for the brakes, but for all the other things they "found" (heavy emphasis on the quote marks).

[@karleck1119]

Thank you Cambodia

[@shakes7333]

Its always a good time when a Exploder rolls in the shop.

[@michaelashcraft8569]

I am 70 yrs old and I can remember when A/C wasn't even offered on most cars except Cadillac, Lincoln, a very few other luxury cars, but, WE survived!! Our prices in everything are being manipulated by forces, and, people we know naught of.

[@andarthome142]

Give me the old cars with no electronics, so easy to fix👍😎

[@russelltrupia4479]

I think people send their repairs to you just to torment you. Great attitude and video Wes.

[@theronstein1760]

Your no nonsense approach to how the job is done and then your wrap up at the end is so refreshing. I hope you and your family is doing well. Thank you for the great content.

[@normanserena8617]

I glad the dog keeps you safe. very good video.

[@bostedtap8399]

Great work Wes, yes, prices have risen, but salaries haven't. Thanks for sharing

[@kentmckean6795]

Another masterpiece!

[@phooesnax]

You got to appreciate two cup holders on top of the engine!

[@brucehobbs1734]

Glad to see you back up and online!

[@GMC.Sprint]

Delt with compound heat exchangers in the past. They expand at different rates and are prone to cracking. Note how this one failed on the end near the oil cooler. In the winter the oil cooler part would have been hot and expanded while the condenser portion would have been cold and contracted.

[@imouse3246]

If you have the patience to do it, I certainly should have the patience to watch. 👍

[@marshallpoe8087]

Honest, hard working, and knowledgeable mechanics will be the ones that survive in the market we find ourselves in. Those that have adopted the "honest pay for an honest day's work" philosophy are getting harder and harder to find. 'Word of mouth' is a very powerful tool for an honest shop today and I think you will have more than enough work to keep you busy.

[@glencaple3888]

According to Chris Fix a proper A/C 'job' takes several hours. And that's with the proper A/C equipment. Do the job right the first time, all the time, to keep customers happy. You're doing a great job, Wes. Keep up the good work!

[@WatchWesWork]

Well if he said it it has to be true.

[@glencaple3888]

@@WatchWesWork That's the spirit!

[@donlahey1734]

The Ford Exploder: Designed by engineers to be mostly disposable, much like the Dodge Neon. Well done Wes! Your dry sargasmic (sarcastic) commentary is always a good chuckle as well!

[@mphilleo]

I think the Neon was basic enough to have a chance of making it to 100,000 miles, as long as you don't count valve jobs. 🤣

[@janeames1513]

@@mphilleo i had a neon and ran the wheels off of it and never done anything other than oil changes...i heard people pissin and moanin about em but mine kept right on rollin..i sold it with 178k on the odometer and it was still runnin like a scalded cat..and they are also the fastest car in the world for power to weight ratio..or were for their time

[@donlahey1734]

@@mphilleo Within a year of their release north of the boarder, the bone yards were full of them! LMAO

[@donlahey1734]

@@janeames1513 Maybe the power to weight ratio was why thousands of them wound up in the scrapyard a year after their release, looking like they should still be on the road.

[@rogerhector8323]

blooming heck what a job

[@fataxe1]

I was raised to go without for silly comforts. I never got the types where they've got three bald tires, torn boots on ball joints, and a whining rear end, but the ac HAS to be fixed...

[@WatchWesWork]

I know what you mean.

[@utidjian]

Used to be that one simply cranked the vent windows open. Remember those?

[@rfbedell347]

Been in the HVAC/R business for 47+ Yrs. You are correct on the Refrigerant Prices. The thing I have learned since 1994, during the Montreal Protocol, when the Fed Gov't (EPA) want to control the refrigerant used, they tax the crap out of it, until it is not cost effective. If you think the A/C is a rough ride now, hang onto your hat. It is only going to get worse.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

When I retired from HVAC/R I stored R22. I have enough to last my lifetime.

[@Grichecth]

"Vintage Eric the Car Guy glasses" had me dying laughing. Great video as always

[@dlewis9760]

I miss Eric. That didn't end well. Hope when things settle out he can bounce back. My gut though says he won't bother with the KZbin anymore. I still have him subscribed. I don't expect anything from him for at least a year. More if the country goes into a depression.

[@malanvogt]

I run the service department for my families hvac company. You are not kidding. 410a was 65$ a jug 5 years ago. Now it is over 500.

[@Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin]

Welcome back! People bring the challenging jobs to you for a reason... A) to drive you crazy B) to actually get things fixed. Which one is true? C: All of the above.

[@wazza33racer]

Welcome back Kotter............ First gentlemen, we shall construct the automobile by building the entire vehicle around the AC condenser.........and we contract the worlds most remote and isolated back water to supply this premier component..........Cambodia. Things have improved a great deal since Pol Pot.

[@davidd8435]

Thanks for the content Mr. Wes, the engineers make it hard to repair vehicles

[@gregambrose2566]

I'm glad I still drive a 93 explorer

[@rogue13131313]

There was a time when ac was an expensive luxury that most cars did not have....hence the might wind wing...which has ling been abandoned. Life was warmer, but simpler.

[@av8tore71]

I buy vehicles from COPART all the time and fixing up smashed vehicles became an expensive hobby but since I am I have found out the Ford & Chevy SUV's are a jigsaw puzzle when you take them apart to get to the spot welds to fix or take a section of the dents out of the frame. Putting the vehicle back together is simple bang of the Palm of your hand!!

[@michaelb.5345]

We know who one of the best u tube wrenches is brother. You are him, just keep doing what you do with this line of junk made today. Thank you Wes..

[@davidhongkong5657]

You have the patience of a saint!

[@silent1967]

I'm 62 and that looks like a young man's job. I'll drink my coffee and chit chat with mama Wes at the kitchen table while you work. 😀 Oh, I don't fix my AC systems when they go out, I just roll down the windows.

[@kevincrosby8998]

I think we are on a mission to find the straw that breaks the camels back. Prices are going to continue to rise and parts availability is going to continue to dwindle because of the supply chain issues that continue to deteriorate. What worries me is that people like Wes who do this kind of work are going to get crushed when the music stops. Small business is the backbone of the American economy and when that deteriorates, the future doesn't look so bright. I am hoping Wes, for you and your family, that this can somehow get turned around. I don't know how or by who, I'm just hoping. Thanks for the great video!

[@Larry-325]

Wes I do feel your pain. Supply and prices are insane. I retired a couple of years ago but owned my own salt water Marine Service business and I only wish people could understand that service people don’t own a garage full of expensive cars and villas in Europe. It was crazy when I retired but can’t imagine what it’s like now. Service people really do work hard to get you going ASAP. They really aren’t just sitting on your job. Also if we all charged for every hour , like we should, doing the work chasing parts and taking care of misc repairs not part of the job that in good conscious can’t overlook but you will not end up paying for in the end because it’s just something you take care of and help out the customer. If people really knew what they were getting for the buck they wouldn’t complain to the person who isn’t getting rich off your repair. And when you drive away from your mechanic in your vehicle with 150,000 miles on it and the next day have a new sound don’t call the guy who worked on it and demand he or she take care of it because they touched it last. Ok I’ll stop. I am just rambling! Wes your an awesome mechanic and business owner and people should appreciate what they have in your area. Ok off my soap box now. Great video! 👍👍👍👍😃😳

[@rogertucker6662]

I usually just throw my bolts right in the open drain pan. Saves me worrying about dropping them in there .

[@PGSchroe]

I'm almost out of 134 and after hearing your comment I figured I better get some. Just looked it up on O'Reilly's site. $499 for a 30lb can. Holy moly.

[@terryharvey4811]

Autozone had it last week for $345.00. That's in Tennessee.

[@michaeljohnson1006]

Good tip to make your condenser last longer is to spray paint it. I used radiator enamel.

[@trevor7918]

Hey Wes! I use an old milk filter funnel with the disk filters to strain coolant. Set it on a pail and pour it all in. Holds like four gallons

[@chrislarson3123]

Great to have ya back on the inter webs!

[@seastacker8582]

“Industrial powerhouse of Cambodia”. 😂😂

[@masseymm]

Cambodian A/C condensers are world renown

[@robertheinkel6225]

Back in the early 80s, I was a mechanic for an IH dealership. Keeping the AC operational on tractors with cabs and combines was a pain. I even pioneered a repair on combines,that eventually became standard practice.

[@brapbrapmafucka]

What was the repair you pioneered

[@dandydenni1615]

Through the magic of editing… it goes back together quicker than it comes apart!

[@bobbyspannbauer5702]

Prices are crazy, I have a 2020 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L cummins, 2 days ago I got a recall (one of 3), that recall was something to do with the fuel pump losing pressure, in the weeks before, I knew something wasn't right , was going to call the dealership before but the recall came, So I bring it up they tell me the book says it's supposed to take 4 hours, it took 8 hours, the service manager says in addition to replacing the fuel pump, all the fuel lines have to be replaced , all the way back to the fuel tank, 2 days later I picked it up and signed the RO, and that job cost 1100.00, I'm glad I didn't have to pay for that, but now it has lots of power and runs great

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Seems to me that perhaps 55 years ago the Ford ad slogan was "Better ideas come from Ford." A LOT has changed since then. Be safe, be blessed by God.

[@wes11bravo]

Ah, Cambodia. A beautiful country with great people, known for the lost city of Ankor Wat, thousands of years of intriguing culture...and for the manufacture of knock-off Ford Explorer AC condensors.

[@jockodog2009]

Khmer Rouge is more docile now that A/C parts has become lucrative.

[@terryharvey4811]

Yeah, but they don't do O rings.

[@CAPNMAC82]

Labor rate and employ production ability is near-equal to Mexico (which is why PRC is farming out labor jobs to Laos, Cambodia, and Viet Nam).

[@philtowle4683]

We have a football chant about that. Sorry, I am mistaken it's wankers hat.

[@engineeringpunk]

The industrial powerhouse of Cambodia is my favorite industrial powerhouse.

[@IR-nq4qv]

Rain man Ray would be proud. Good job Wes, I'm glad your Donkey is back up and running on his feet and keeping the wheels moving There was a time when the average vehicle owner could do most repairs by themselves, them days are long gone. Just to replace the battery in my car, I had to remove the front wheel and inner fender, a job that would normally take a few minutes is now a few hours. Car makers in cahoots with parts suppliers are doing their damnedest to eliminate the backyard mechanic. To add insult to injury, you need specialized tools to work on a car. I'm not at all surprised by the prices you quoted at the end of the video. Someone somewhere is laughing their asses off at consumers expense.

[@scottlagaly1389]

I miss the good ol days when a bumper was a bumper, body panels were body panels, and never the twain shall meet (except in a fender bender)

[@johnstokes2246]

This was almost enough to make me wish I still drove the 51 Chevy my Dad had when I was growing up. Sold it for $30.00 still running after 17 years.

[@JacobTechShit]

30?

[@davidsykes4474]

My Man, you truley have the patiants of a Saint.. ! Love those magnetic trays!

[@gregm312]

good to see you back up and running vid wise .

[@dannyoaks85]

Am I the only one concerned about Wes' mental state? My guy is looking more and more defeated every video.

[@WatchWesWork]

Just trying to catch up.

[@18robsmith]

Tip of the day - do not drop a short 1/4" extension onto the fan of a P38 Range Rover when warming up the engine just after changing the whole radiator pack.......

[@mrmotofy]

Video??? :)

[@billdyke9745]

Who needs A/C anyway? The snow's just gone and it'll be back before you can dismantle an Explorer... Cheer up, Wes. Keep thinking if all the things you can buy with those billable hours...

[@mph5896]

I thought only I was being cheap reusing antifreeze. The biggest thing for me is disposing of the old stuff, No good way of disposal for me. I just empty antifreeze into a clean bucket, I also have a 36x36" plastic drip pan I put under the bucket (From Tractor supply for animal cages) to catch anything that misses the bucket. Run it through the paint strainer and reuse. The antifreeze with oil in it, let it sit in a bucket until the oil skims to the top. Pump all the antifreeze out on the bottom of the bucket and only have about a quart or two of waste to dispose of. I have around 10 gallons of this waste I need to bring to the town hazardous disposal day once a year🙄

[@mrmotofy]

I know a dealer tech, asked him one day. How do you guys catch coolant, he laughed. Said they open the drain plugs etc and let it hit the floor then squeegee to the floor drains...Wait so you literally dump it all down the sewer drains...YEP. He said supposedly they have some quantity they're supposed to stay under...but if NOBODY knows how much....how does anyone???? AH ok Now I know what to do with coolant haha

[@mph5896]

@@mrmotofy Reading your post 1 year later. Coolant, If I was on a city sewer, no problem. Municipalities actually say you can do it. Septic with well, I really don't want to dump chemicals into the septic like antifreeze with concerns of something getting into the water table.

[@muesli4597]

Your videos are getting better and better

[@craigsowers8456]

Yep, having all those "Specialty Tools" makes the task go quicker ... wish I could send you THE "Specialty Tool" you need most ... another set of hands Wes !!! And don't be too hard on Detroit ... they all break and much more expensive to replace the AC Delco Compressor in a MB 450SL than a Chevy PU ... I've had to do both (and there wasn't any plastic involved on the MB). Great job as usual !

[@jimlong527]

Keep on keeping on Wes all is expensive but good

[@timkothavala6558]

So nice to have you back in cyberspace. I always enjoy the videos. Thanks.

[@randy5411]

Good job, as usual.

[@johnfalco9528]

Another great video. In this economy everyone knows prices are way up but thanks to your input the true numbers of just exactly how high they have become are less hidden. Keep up the great video’s.

[@bcbloc02]

Ford has always seemed to really keep the mechanics in mind when they design vehicles. They know they have families to support. :-0

[@WatchWesWork]

Customer last...

[@frankm8533]

Nice job Wes. Ur right things have gone to hell on prices and will never go back down

[@bryanphillips6666]

GREED

[@GkPhotographic]

yep , no parts changing hacks around here , good job Wes. be safe from Dublin Eire.

[@jeremyTallen1]

when I seen the coolant being drained in to the drain pain on the floor my first thought was. He is brave man I would step right in it or drop my bolts in it. Good work! Parts are getting crazy I have been shopping around alot and make sure I have been using discounts. Shipping prices have been almost half the price of the parts lately. I wonder if that has anything to do with rising fuel costs. 🤔

[@ChevyConQueso]

Trucking is costing over a dollar a mile for many. So yes, of course it is. Our government did a pretty good job hurting the industry previously, and any costs must be passed on to the consumer, or they will go out of business. Same with any mandates and requirements that increase overhead. (Think ULSD, more expensive emissions controls and reduced reliability, operation limitations, etc.)

[@md2628]

Absolutely incredible how much of a newer ford vehicle can be dismantled with just a medium dewalt impact a couple sockets and a screwdriver. Im impressed

[@motormaker]

Welcome back Wes. I hope you’re not finding any new problems from your lightening strike. Those can be a bear to get all sorted out sometimes. Thanks for the vid.

[@WatchWesWork]

So far so good.

[@28282222]

I remember my first car, a used 1974 Datsun B 110. You could get both hands around 3 sides of the radiator, just had a few bolts and hoses. Now days 🙀

[@alecmccance8409]

Always love your videos Wes, I agree with you on the price of anything now, its becoming ridiculous, somewhere along the line someone is making a fortune, and its certainly not people like yourself, I thought things were bad enough here in the UK, but it seems like its a world side problem, when are ever going to get back to normality. Thanks once again for posting another great video.

[@ermancroney3805]

The price of inflation is much higher than people realize. It affects all of our lives in nearly every aspect. Lots of pressure! Thanks Wes.

[@tomland5837]

Thanks Wes!! I watch all of you videos and learn from them all! God Bless sir!!!

[@richwielechowski5191]

Glad to see the donkey is somewhat alive and well. Thanks for sharing.

[@TKevinBlanc]

Glad your back, Wes.