The reason I don't put r12 back in is because it's so expensive, and I am usually throwing the r134a into a system I know nothing about, like he is. It may have a leak or something else wrong with it, and then there goes all that expensive r12 down the drain. And the r134a always keeps me cool enough.

You will find lots of different opinions on what you should change, and what you don't have to change, but I have thrown the r134a into a old r12 system doing nothing but putting a vacuum on it, and it works well.

 

Ok thanks franklin i guess ill try that to start!

 

that's true, he could pee away all that money on R12 going into away due to a leak. BUT if said leak exists it will still exist when doing the conversion. If he's going to do something about the A/C he should hookup some vacuum gauges and pressure test the system. He could find it's shot to hell and it's not worth doing either.

 

I agree, it cools better if you can get it.

 

I competely disagree, with the proper steps and knowledge, you can make 134 run as cold or colder than r-12. Can we please step out of the back woods and into the 21st century... Read the post that firsttoday linked. It has a lot of good info in it. The bad info on 134 comes from people who just walmart it and dont take the time to learn how the system works and do a proper changeover. If you cannot preform the proper steps, please pay someone who can. It will save you time and money and headache.And before someone jumps in on swap meet refrigernats, most of those are a butane mix and explosive. There are NO drop-in replacements. All freon changes require a proper retro fit per federal law.

 

I agree with Archion, after a proper R134a conversion you could hang meat in mine. BTW, he is a good source for information on conversions.

 

I can tell everyone, my A/C freezes me out. I did the swap awhile ago now and did the same to my fathers truck. They are both working like new and I am surprised to not have to recharge it every summer. It is one of the best upgrades I have done.

I have done the wal mart kit before. It does not work well without taking the proper steps to evacuate and clean your existing system. I realize I had access to a shop and their equipment, but my cost was around 100 bucks per truck. It would be worth twice that to me to make it through the summers we have here.

To those that do the swap, do not let it intimidate you. It is very easy.

 

I have no regrets in converting mine over to 134a. My vent temps run around 42*f when its sitting and idleing down the road about 47*. I can also hang meat it there and make dew on the windows on a humid night! Again do it right evacuate the system change the the proper oil, ester oil is a good one to use, don't get the refrigerant with the oil in it, get a separate can with the oil and when you have the vaccum on it suck the oil in on both sides (high and low) so the oil has the best chance to get circulated right away, the charge the rest of the system from the low port. I'd have to check my gauge but IIRC you want around 42-45psi on the low side with the compressor running steady.

 

Great information here. I had mine converted at the local Firestone, and I will bet those guys didn't do it properly, it blows only cool, not cold. I think you guys know more about the proper conversion than 95% of mechanics at "local shops".

First today or Archion, while it's fresh on your mind, would one of you mind terribly posting here a very simple numbered list of the proper steps needed to correctly convert our trucks to R134? I've tried to piece it together from your excellent posts, but my ignorance of terms like "orific tube" or "cycle switch", or where the o-rings are that need to be replaced, makes it difficult. I think just a numbered list of basic, low-detail steps would give me (and possible others) enough information to figure out through my own research what/where the different components are, and how it is properly done. It might also make a good technical sticky for the forum. If you don't have time or inclination that's of course fine too, you have already helped significantly.

 

If Archion hasn't got time, I will be quite willing to do a write-up. He and I have been working on these for years. I can address both the 80-86 F series and newer up through the point Ford switched to R134. Biggest thing, the Wal-mart kits do not include everything to get a real good conversion.

 

I second the request for a writeup. I have both mine awa my father's to do, and would like to do it correctly. Thanks in advance!

 

I spoke with Archion this morning. I am going to do the writeup, forward it to him for PN verification then submit it. If one of the mods wants to make it a sticky that would be great. We can expand it to 87-93 models and full size Broncos easily. I can also do one for Ranger and BroncoII if there is interest in one.

 

Awesome! Thank you so much.

 

Thanks for that, I am busier than all getout with A/C season setting in. A stickie would be great once we have it ready.

 

Maybe this will help some. I added little notes in the picture. To see the picture larger and access the notes, double click it and it will go to the flickr site where it can be viewed larger and the notes may be seen..

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/love_ford_trucks/3668825307/" title="polished 059 by ford collection, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3668825307_75ee62bd5b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="polished 059"></a>