Hello All,

I'm reviving an ex airforce 1989 F-350 4x4 ambulance, with only about 8000 miles on the odo.
the thing is that it has seen no service for the last 10 years.
she's in quite a good nick, but the AC system is without pressure for probably quit a time yet. the system contained R12 when she was new.

I'm looking for somebody who really knows his/her way around AC's
so that i end up with a good working non leaking real cold AC in the end.

would that be real, or a dream?

 

Are you looking for someone to do it for you or some one to tell you how to do it?

Matt

 

Hi Matt,

I'm afraid that i look for somebody to advise me, and/or point out to me where to buy good parts, since i live in France, and it would be crazy to get to the usa with my truck to have that done...

but for what it's worth, i was an airforce jet mechanic

 

Sorry about that , didn't know you were in France, wasn't in your post or profile. Here is where you need to start.
but first one more question, what is the availability of R12 over there? If it is readily available and not too expensive then keep it as an R12 system. If it is like over here and getting harder and more expensive to get then convert it to a R143a system.

Either way completely flush the system to remove the old oil, it will have a high moisture content making it acidic, remove the compressor and completley drain the oil and flush oil out of compressor.
Reinstall compressor with appropriate oil charge, proper type for refrigerant you will be using and proper amount.
Either way start by ordering a complete o-ring kit. the orings have dried out from sitting allowing the refrigerant to leak out.
Either way order a new accumulator/drier for it. the system will have a ton of moisture in it making the drier bad.
If converting it to R134a order a new orifice tube or TXV, not sure which your truck as but will need to be changed to R134a.
Make sure you lubricate the orings thoroughly before installation.
After reassembling pressure test the system with Nitrogen to test for leaks(150 psi).
once you are sure the system is leak free, use a vacuum pump to totally evacuate the system and do a drop test making sure it holds vacuum.
Charge system with refrigerant type you chose to go with.

Here in the states you can buy a retrofit kit that comes with refrigerant, oil, and fittings to convert from 1/4" flare fittings to two different size quick disconnects. The quick disconnects are not necessary to install.

Also over here in the states R134a can be bought at any auto parts store or Walmart.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask. I will try to follow this thread close and advise you as needed.

please keep us up to date on your progress

Matt

 

Hello Matt,

That sounds ok, since where i live a US build truck is more rare as is a pink elephant, it might take some more time than expected.
but i'll start the exploring for the availability for the 134a, and then i'll come back on it, ok?

Thanks for a beginning!

 

No problem, If you want send me a PM when ever you have a question that way I will see it. I am sure most of the new cars over there use R134a.

I was a 20 year navy man and on my first med cruise we pulled into Toulon, France 3 different times, but that was back in the second half of 1988.

Here in the states I have at least 15 different auto parts stores with in a 5 mile radius of my house, just not sure how many parts store you have in France.

For ordering parts one of your best bets is probably for you to go through Summitracing.com or jegs.com. they both ship overseas.

Matt