Suggestions for A/C Refit?
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 454
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Suggestions for A/C Refit?
Hi guys,
I have a 1978 Ford F150 XLT Lariat with Factory Air that I've been in the process of restoring for a while now. I finally got some garage space so I am going to be doing some major overhaul starting next Spring.
I've had problems with the fan blower motor only blowing on LOW, and I changed out a few things, but couldn't ever figure out the real problem so I took it to a local shop that does A/C and Heater repairs on older vehicles. They fixed what I asked them to, but said I needed a new condenser for the A/C because the line leading to the dryer was cracked. This is the original condenser on the truck, so I don't feel so bad about replacing it.
My question is: Is there a special condenser I should get for R134a?
Some years ago I converted the A/C system from R12 to R134a myself. I took all the pieces out (condenser, evap core, etc) and flushed the old oil out of them. I replaced the compressor, expansion valve and dryer; put the system back together and charged it with R134a oil and freon. It worked fine for a while, but then stopped cooling again. I'm told that most likely this is because R134a molecules are smaller than R12 and the fittings in my systems allow for leaks more commonly with R134a than R12. The current shop I have the truck in is telling me that I should go back to R12 and use the system as intended because cooling will be more efficient. I'm sure that this is true, but I question the availability of R12 in the coming years as I continue using the A/C.
Looking for suggestions here about the condenser, which I've read is a large part of cooling efficiency for R134a, since I have to buy a new condenser anyway. Should I get one that is fitted for R12 and go back to factory specs, only to have to eventually change to R134a or some other freon later when R12 isn't available? Or can I get a larger condenser that is rated for R134a now and keep with my converted system?
I have a 1978 Ford F150 XLT Lariat with Factory Air that I've been in the process of restoring for a while now. I finally got some garage space so I am going to be doing some major overhaul starting next Spring.
I've had problems with the fan blower motor only blowing on LOW, and I changed out a few things, but couldn't ever figure out the real problem so I took it to a local shop that does A/C and Heater repairs on older vehicles. They fixed what I asked them to, but said I needed a new condenser for the A/C because the line leading to the dryer was cracked. This is the original condenser on the truck, so I don't feel so bad about replacing it.
My question is: Is there a special condenser I should get for R134a?
Some years ago I converted the A/C system from R12 to R134a myself. I took all the pieces out (condenser, evap core, etc) and flushed the old oil out of them. I replaced the compressor, expansion valve and dryer; put the system back together and charged it with R134a oil and freon. It worked fine for a while, but then stopped cooling again. I'm told that most likely this is because R134a molecules are smaller than R12 and the fittings in my systems allow for leaks more commonly with R134a than R12. The current shop I have the truck in is telling me that I should go back to R12 and use the system as intended because cooling will be more efficient. I'm sure that this is true, but I question the availability of R12 in the coming years as I continue using the A/C.
Looking for suggestions here about the condenser, which I've read is a large part of cooling efficiency for R134a, since I have to buy a new condenser anyway. Should I get one that is fitted for R12 and go back to factory specs, only to have to eventually change to R134a or some other freon later when R12 isn't available? Or can I get a larger condenser that is rated for R134a now and keep with my converted system?
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 457
Likes: 7
From: Decatur, AL
Freeze 12 FAQ's
A product called Freeze12 is out there and pretty plentiful. It is as close to R12 as you can get. My customers love this stuff. i have to tell them where to go get it tho. We do not sell it.
New User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
It looks like the Freeze 12 has been replaced by Enviro-safe. http://autorefrigerants.com/co00033.htm
Last edited by jaacina; Nov 3, 2011 at 01:49 PM. Reason: Added URL
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 457
Likes: 7
From: Decatur, AL
As far as i know yes. Dont sell it myself so a quick google should tell you, but my customers are simply adding it to an R12 system, so i would think so.
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