Well it's that time of year and the A/C just died on my 1993 F-350 XL Diesel. I don't have the history on this truck (Got it used from a dealer) But I suspect that it hasn't been converted from the R12 to R134a Refrigerant. I was looking at getting one of those Retrofit Kits and doing my self. Has anybody ever done this? And would you do again or just take it to a shop?

 

Well, in my opinion it is a lot of work to really convert it the right way. I don't like the little oil charge an conversion kits in a can . This may be what you get if you pay to have it done if you are not careful. If you have the time and proper equipment to do it you probably wouldn't hesitate. Ideally the drier needs to be replaced to the "new" desiccant which is compatible with the "new" oil required for r-134.. All lines should be flushed as well as the compressor drained and the appropriate amount of oil added back into the system and compressor. Then you can add the r-134 fittings and vaccum down to remove air/moisture. and check for leaks. The system will require less than the stated refrigerant when going to r-134 and your pressures and temps are also different than r-12 which requires a set of guages and hoses specific to it. Be careful not to overcharge the system. I don't remember if your setup is orifice or expansion valve style.. An expansion valve system adapts and works well, however orifice systems benefit from a different size restriction to properly cool. any parts store will have a chart that tells which one to use, they are color coded. If you pay to have it done be sure to ask for details on what exactly you are getting.

 

After I posted I have been searching for answers. (Hey what else is work for?) https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=118741
I'm thinking that a stop over to the A/C shop for a price quote won't hurt.

It looks like it was easer to install the Dump Bed conversion than fixing the A/C system. (I'm thrilled about that dump conversion if you couldn't tell)

 

Thanks dburke and 71cc,
Appreciate the other thread and experience, respectively.
Makes me think twice about how exactly I'm going to go about getting my AC back online. R.A.

 

I was lucky when mine went out a year and a half ago. I had a friend who worked at NAPA and he got me the upgraded A/C pump that would do either R134 or R12 and it also had the upgrades that the original pump did not...basically he insured I got the latest and greatest versus the rebuilt version of what I already had. The point of this is to insure you have the correct A/C COmpressor before you convert since you may very likely have the same I had and it would not survive the R134 pressures for very long (I have a 93 F350).

Additionally, when I took the pump to my A/C Tech, he told me it would cost less to keep the system the same (R12) versus doing the conversion (see the reply from 71cc since he is on the money with his statement). Also, the system was engineered to use R12 and thus converting to R134 would work, but I would loose about 15% of my overall cooling capacity (In South Florida we really use our A/C's!).

So, cheaper, better, and R12 was still available, I stayed with R12. I am sure at some point and time I will need to convert given the fact that R12 is going away, but for the moment, do not rule R12 out just yet. If you are going to convert now, dont use the "Conversion in a Can" that you get from your local parts store. Get it done by a professional who will do the complete conversion and you will be much happier. (By the way, I was a certifed Automotive A/C mechanic...back in the early 80's, but even I know when it is best to let the guy with the current training and tools do the job!)...

Good luck!

 

After doing the reading and looked at several sites, I bit the bullet and took my truck into the shop. I normally would do things my self but I'm not a A/C person and I really hate working with all the hoses and stuff. And I have a very limited weekend work on A/C system. (Self justification when I gave the key over the counter) The Shop Forman is telling me that the compressor is shot. And that the accumilation is contanminated and I could see the glazing on the belt. The quote is $1000.00 for this repair. Pump replacement, switch over to 134a, condenser replacement, hoses. I'll post and update on how long it takes and the final bill. That way you'all figure out your labor cost for a job like this.
It's sunday night and I'm on a friend's computer. Time for a cold one and steak.