Eric, Its the fat one. The compressor was working before all the refergerant ran out. It sounded like a popcorn maker though. I failed to mention that I also lost a compressor while driving. The bolts sheared off and the compressor was hanging by the hoses. That occured at around 320k. I'm sure there are metall shavings in the line from the sounds that the compressor was making when it was working. I'm in search of a hose either from a junkyard or new. Once I install that along with the other compontents I will attempt to clean the system as you so adivised. Thanks again for the input.. PS Any further advice is greatly appreciated. PS Your right, I don't know s--- about AC systems but I'd rather fail myself than be robbed by these so called mechanics in upstate NY..

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85 300TDT 456,000 orig. miles