Although it wouldn't pull a vacuum, I couldn't even get 20" of vacuum. After fiddling with the connections and rotating the compressor, still was acting like a large leak.

So I put 40 PSI of refrigerant into it and starting checking connections with the sniffer. Couldn't find the obvious leak(s). If I turned the sensitivity all the way up it'll detect the PAG oil at every joint since I applied liberally.

I rotated the compressor fiddled with the joints, nothing. I have had similar problems before with new (aftermarket) compressors in the that the single lip shaft seal will not hold in a vacuum. Once pressure is applied it seals against the shaft (cheap parts, chintzy design).

After letting it sit with 40 psi in it for a while, I pulled vacuum again and it held. Silly thing.... not a fan of Spring Lock connectors either...

Installed the pass side coil pack and connected.

Next is the vacuum tubing that goes to the purge solenoid.

Kept tripping over the battery, so that went in next.

New lower hose.

Coolant expansion tank

Spark plug wire carrier.

I forgot to order the heater hoses at Rock Auto so I went to O'Reillys and the correct heater hoses were special order and ridiculously expensive. So these were close and will work for a great deal less.

The black valve/switch is for only on cars with auto climate control, cars with manual HVAC just use a continuous hose. In case you're curious the black switch is the heater lockout, in floor position and in AUTO mode the vacuum door will not open and the blower will not run until the engine warms up as not to just blow cold air when started.

I left the one hose off to burp the coolant system when filling it to get as much air out of it as possible.

I started to put other misc items back on like the air filter cover that has the mass airflow sensor and the inlet air temp and connected all the rest of any wiring harness connectors.

Installed the radiator fan shroud and fan along with the forward part of the plastic cover that goes over the headlamps.

New radiator upper hose

Filled the coolant system up

started right up, it's silent and smooth, no more moans, squealing, and vibrations. I also started to fill the air con system up after 45 minutes of evacuation.

filled up with refrigerant and I'd say it's working just fine.

Took it out for a drive last night, no more Service Engine Soon lamp, air con blows really cold and happy with the results. I'm done for a while on this car. I feel loads better about driving it now, but there is still a list of things it needs. But later. Back to my other projects for a bit, I am Grand Marquis'd out....

I still can't believe the spark plug design requiring that kind of antiseize. I do know one thing, after working on that cramped engine bay of the Grand Marquis I shall never complain about the lack of room in an old galaxie with an FE and air con.

The best car I ever had to work on (engine bay wise) is my 1973 Caprice Classic even with the factory 454, factory air con, cruise and other accessories it's unbelievably easy to work on any part. Everything is spaced out nicely. It's like the designers actually put in some thought over the layout. Of course it's also 6 foot 7" wide and 18 foot 6" long so there is some room. Ironic with such a tank there is still no rear leg room.

Now if GM could just invent 2 mating surfaces that don't leak, it might actually be worth something.

Cheers.

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