Topic: AC leaks

[jsrusse11]

i got this free AC check on my 93 pickup and the shop said i have some leaks and i would probably want to convert over to the r-134 i think it is. they wanted like $300 but i wanna try it myself if i can. what invovled in this. how do i check for the leaks. and as far as converting it over i've seen those kit in like peps boys and places like that. do they work at all? if so whats the best one to get?

[BLACKDOG]

How much have you seen them for??  I might need to do that to my 91

[jsrusse11 [OP]]

i think like $30

[brainlessfool]

to do it right takes some equiment. but you can do it yourself. just don't think that it as good as a shop will do it. best you can do at home is open up the system and drain out as much of the oil as you can. then use new "o" rings put it back together and fill with the replace ment R-134 from the kit. remember that it takes less R-134 that R-12 so don't use as much. I think it's like 15% less by volume.

[BigMike]

You want to hear something crazy? Marlin's '80 yota still has the factory freaon - NEVER EVER LEAKED - and it still blows cold air. Not bad for almost 25 years eh?

[jsrusse11 [OP]]

so does the kit you can buy just take out the old and replace it with the correct amount of R-134.  how do i release the old, is there anything i have to watch out for? then i can just replace "o" rings and put it back together and refill?

[Huhwhye]

I just re-installed the AC in my Toyota.  Been without for too many years.

To do the conversion RIGHT.  You need some extra tools too

Parts
1. R134a (2 cans should be enough, get the big cans that have the oil already in them)
2. Conversion fittings ~$10 max (there are different sizes and styles, Got mine at Napa, the ones that came in the retro kit didn't work)
3. New Reciever/Dryer - (paid $20 at Napa)
4. O ring kit (can't remember price)  Try Napa
5. Conversion oil if keeping old compressor
6. AC system flush $10 (Optional but a good idea, I did this)


Tools
1. Air Compressor
2. Vacuum pump
3. R134a manifold gauge set
4. Blow gun
5. Shrader valve tool (not necessary but helps) the old pressure fitting use shrader valves and the new fittings from Napa have new valves built in.

I bought my reman Compressor off ebay for $80

I did my whole truck with a new reman compressor for $200.  That includes the gauges and the pump.  I already had a compressor.

All the conversion kits include are freon and the fittings.

This is a link for the procedure.  Its on a Ford Ranger board, but the process is the same.  Just disregard the orifice tube thing, you dont have one.  I also didn't do the clutch cycle switch thing that he did.  Other than that I followed the procedure and my AC is ice cold.

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=128279&highlight=R134a

[FVF_SAS]

the key of converting to R134 is to remember that the R134 system uses different non compatible oil as compared to R12 therefore don't be like my neighbor and look at seals and o rings and say that they look fine...these components will fail. and you do need a new reciever/dryer. Also keep in mind it's illegal to discharge both systems into the atmosphere.
So change the oil and packings, also the reciever dryer, and most important follow the instructions.
Also my best suggestion is to have it done by a proffessional.

Food for thought - R12 is more efficient than R134. R12 was deemed harmful to the atmosphere only a few weeks before Dupont's patent was due to expire, funny how they had R134 already to go and keep a good corner on the market. Also Halon 1301 fire extinguishant is a VERY close relative of R134.