MicroRacer,

Post your model and year on your profile so we don't have to look it up (or indicate mod & yr on the thread).

Compressor sounds shot. Its probably shot anyway after 21 years. Ditto to what Dave said.

Before you let all the gas out, leak test the entire system. Your system will have leaks at this age. You are looking at a fair amount of work here. Not hard work, but more of it.

(as compared to replacing the oil cooler lines AND both half shafts, I'd rather do the full a/c job, its a much less dirty job)

The vacuum diaphram that controls the center vent is probably broken. When it breaks, it breaks so that the vent stays closed. The diaphram may still hold vacuum, but it can't open the flap for the vent. (i'm a little fuzzy on this point)

You can reach the "flap" after removing the glove compartment and the rubber boot. Remove rubber boot. Create a double V sort of shaped thing from a coat hanger and jam that next to the flap to keep the flap open. I found that the V works best when placed between the flap and the rear of the vent housing. This is the quick fix.

The correct fix is replacing the diaphram which is about 2 or 3 hours and lots of skinned knuckles. A 10 year old with small hands helps I'm told. I've heard you don't need to pull the dash to replace the center vent on a 123 but that may be up for debate. I find the quick fix adequate, I close the vents manually when heat is needed.

Eric

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)