ok guys i have a 97' 4.0 ranger and the a/c is messed up..it used to turn on but the air would never get cold so i tried the do it yourfself recharge and it seemed like the refrigerant wouldnt leave the bottle and go into the port the hose remained clear instead of white..so my buddy who owns a shop used his big machine to try and fill it and it still wouldnt accept any freon..he took the compressor apart and found tons of metal shaving everywhere..he told me i need a new compressor..is he right? and if i get one from a junkyard is there anyway to test and make sure they are good before hand? also would a compressor from say an explorer 4.0L engine fit the same? when i turn the a/c on now nothing happens at all no noise and the air is HOT...please help me i need my a/c its hot here lol...thanks in advance

 

Well, that metal came from somewhere and since the compressor is the only moving part in the AC loop....So yeah...
Also the ac wont engage if it's out of refrigerant.

I would take a continuity tester to make sure switch for the clutch is good. Maybe a small 12v battery to engage the clutch? I imagine most junkyards would warrant that kind of item since there really no way to see if its in good working order until you get it installed and juiced up. I know some do it with engines.

 

Yea Shavings= New compressor AND Drier