A/C 134a retrofit

[JCrank]

Does anyone have any suggestions in regards to retrofitting the a/c with 134a freon ? My system is empty and I had planned to vacuum my system and then use a 134a retrofit kit to recharge and determine if and where the leakage is.

 

[paccool]

Jon,

there has been a lot of discussion on this in the past. I went back via a searh of the first gen forums and found one pretty good thread for you to look at. Tried to bring it over but have problems doing that sort of stuff.



Go to the top bar and click on Discussion Forums. Then click on "search forums". Type in air conditioning and do a search, should be two pages of stuff. The thread I was talking about is on Page 2 and is dated 6-26-01. Thread starter is jmtandem. Topic is "Air Conditioning to 134"



I' will need to do something with my AC in the future so keep us informed about R-12 subtitutes that may be out there.

 

[Greenleaf]

I tried the 134a but it did not work well. I'm told the condensor would have to be incresed in size.



I'm using R12a which is a (highly) refined hydrocarbon aka propane. It seems to be popular. Works better than the 134 but not as well as the good old stuff. That R12, which is no longer in use, worked really well!!!



GL

 

[Paychk]

Jon,

there has been a lot of discussion on this in the past. I went back via a searh of the first gen forums and found one pretty good thread for you to look at. Tried to bring it over but have problems doing that sort of stuff.

Here you go:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19602

 

[Moab4x4]

I did this conversion on an old 15 Pass. van a few years back and it worked great. The 134 is not quite as efficient as R-12 so if you don't replace the compressor your output temp will not be quite as low. We did not replace the compressor on ours and the output temp still got to 28 degrees. Cold enough for me.

Be sure to use the system cleaner though, as the compressor oils are not of the same base. You need to dump the old oil, clean the system, and then put in the 134 compatable oil.

We just followed the directions on the package and all worked well.

Good Luck

Ken

 

[dan brooks]

I had the system in my F150 changed over and it worked very well. The compressor was shot, so we replaced it, the receiver/dryer, orifice tube, and switched the fittings. R12 is still available but is very expensive. It was cheaper to switch to R134 - even with all the new parts - than it was to just replace the compressor and recharge with R12.

 

[lil red cummins]

i have done at least six 134a retrofits on older cars and trucks. i have had no problems with any of them. in fact my 88 lincoln air now works better than original. i have not had to replace any components on these systems to make them work.



make sure to buy a retrofit kit that includes the new oil as well as the freon. the oil is very important, as it mixes with your old oil to make it compatible.



you will need to use a vacuum pump to completely evacuate the system so that the new oil goes in more easily.



ALSO!!! do not fill the system to the original rated capacity. if you UNDERFILL the system by approximately 5 to 10 %, it will work better. gauges will help you to determine the correct amount.



make sure to charge only on the suction (low pressure) side. it takes a little longer but is much safer.



good luck



jim

 

[damar]

A/C recharge

You might try to find a shop that uses Freeze12. It's a replacement for the old freon but is so much cheaper you wouldn't believe it. It is also a legal substitute. A shop here where I live uses it on older units. I had a '90 Ford changed over to it and had no trouble for 3 years, then I sold the car. All the shop did was put on different fittings as it is not compatable with other charges.

 

[JCrank]

Thanks everybody.

Jon

 

[JCrank]

Come to find out, the clutch on my a/c compressor is busted with parts missing. I haven't been able to find just a clutch, so it looks like Im going to wind up with a whole compressor. Auto Zone seems to have the best price. I've got a reman. compressor sitting on the shelf from Carquest for my 88 Ford and I'm going to see if maybe I can swap it for one to fit the Dodge... .

 

[lil red cummins]

no wait!!!!!



i am pretty sure you can buy the clutch only. i bought one at napa last year for my 89 caravan. you will still need the puller and re-assembly tools though



check some other stores in your area.



jim

 

[JCrank]

I checked at NAPA, Advance, Auto Zone and Carquest on the clutch. Not available thru these outlets. Advance does have install kits available (snap rings, nuts, etc... )

Anyway I didn't check the clutch first. I attempted to charge the system so that I could put the flourescent dye in to look for leaks. I found one right away. The low pressure line had been disconnected by someone and the high pressure line was loose. I suspect alot of trash has gotten into both the line and compressor, but amazingly the compressor has not seized up. This is why I'm thinking of going the route of the complete compressor.

 

[FFutch]

Just did an 84 W-250. I just installed 134 fittings,vacumed it out,checked for leaks(held vacum) and charged it. Cooled to 38*,everything worked fine. I've changed oil and some I haven't, no problems either way... . Doug

 

[Grey Wolf]

We use Hot Shot as a replacement, a direct drop in



http://www.r-414b.net/