What to replace on AC system?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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What to replace on AC system?
1988 E150 with 5.0 engine.
I want to repair my AC system but am not sure what needs to be done to it yet.
Originally when I bought the van, the AC compressor was bypassed because of a bad clutch bearing. I replaced the bearing but shortly after the pulley cracked and so I removed the compressor. I am not sure, but believe it was converted to r134 at one time because it has the adapter fitting on one of the lines. The van only has front AC so I want to make sure it works good when I am finished with the repairs. I have read that a converted R12 system will not cool well unless you replace the condenser. I have also read that r134 will seep through the old r12 hoses.. What parts would you replace to do it right and where would you get new hoses? I found some of the hoses but if r134 does leak through them over time then I might wonder if the replacement hoses I found were also for r12.
Thanks Anna
BTW I was thinking about doing most of the work and then taking it to a shop to have the system charged. I have an old set of gauges but they are for R12
I want to repair my AC system but am not sure what needs to be done to it yet.
Originally when I bought the van, the AC compressor was bypassed because of a bad clutch bearing. I replaced the bearing but shortly after the pulley cracked and so I removed the compressor. I am not sure, but believe it was converted to r134 at one time because it has the adapter fitting on one of the lines. The van only has front AC so I want to make sure it works good when I am finished with the repairs. I have read that a converted R12 system will not cool well unless you replace the condenser. I have also read that r134 will seep through the old r12 hoses.. What parts would you replace to do it right and where would you get new hoses? I found some of the hoses but if r134 does leak through them over time then I might wonder if the replacement hoses I found were also for r12.
Thanks Anna
BTW I was thinking about doing most of the work and then taking it to a shop to have the system charged. I have an old set of gauges but they are for R12
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
R-134A conversion
My 88 got converted by a shop in 2000 before I got it in 2014. It was low on pressure so I added 134. The system looked completely OEM except for the fittings so I am guessing the shop just removed the R12 and oil then recharged with oil and 134.
The front and rear A/C worked great. Coldest I saw on the front vents was 52 degrees during a Texas summer.
I would probably replace the receiver-dryer just because the system has been exposed to air for awhile. Moisture kills A/C systems. jim
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
A/C hoses in good condition should hold pressure assuming that pressure is to their spec, regardless what creates that pressure.
Honestly though Annaleigh the age of existing hoses on your '88 would have me changing them---I've had "older" hoses and even hard lines fall apart just from age alone. I'd also consider pretty much swapping out every other component too, get newer parts fitting your van but made for R134a.
BTW you might also post this in the Heating, Cooling & A/C sub-forum---should be plenty of experience there with this sort of swap and re-fit.
Summer will be here sooner than we expect---time to have the A/C systems up and running before it hits.
Honestly though Annaleigh the age of existing hoses on your '88 would have me changing them---I've had "older" hoses and even hard lines fall apart just from age alone. I'd also consider pretty much swapping out every other component too, get newer parts fitting your van but made for R134a.
BTW you might also post this in the Heating, Cooling & A/C sub-forum---should be plenty of experience there with this sort of swap and re-fit.
Summer will be here sooner than we expect---time to have the A/C systems up and running before it hits.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 13,149
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From: THIS IS SPARTA!, ...Mo.
Yes, the compressor is the biggest concern. Past that, as long as your system is in good shape, I wouldn't worry about it. I will say this, though. If you system has been open for any length of time, go ahead and flush it, then replace the receiver/drier with the compressor. It should work just fine after that.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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ok well at the expense of sounding stupid... i have read about these subforms but never seen one... how do I get there?
OK I found it under MISC... Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
Thanks
OK I found it under MISC... Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
Thanks
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