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A/C Conversion Help

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Old Jun 11, 2005 | 09:23 PM
  #1  
slychicken37's Avatar
slychicken37
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From: West Lafayette, IN
Exclamation A/C Conversion Help

1983 F-150 351W
Black Beauty

My A/c has been dead for many years now, to the point where the compressor will not engage anymore. I am in the process of retrofitting the old R-12 system to the new R-134 system. For some reason i am having problems figuring out which ports to install the fittings on to. If anybody could take some pictures of which ports are the high pressure ports and which are the low pressure ports i think it might help me get on my way. I only ask this question because the high side pressure can reach 300-400 psi, and i dont want the R-134 can to explode when i try to introduce it to the system.

Pictures are awesome, step-by-step instructions are better.
Thanks for the time
-Rex
 
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Old Jun 12, 2005 | 06:10 AM
  #2  
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Rex,
I hope your doing more than just putting fittings on it, but the blue capped one goes next to the drier, the red capped one on the smaller line in front of the master cylinder. It's a real good idea to replace all the "O"rings and flush the system. I know some say that's not necessary, but it's wise. Will the compressor spin? A good compressor can be had on eBay for around $100 if it won't. At least there's plenty of room to play with the a/c on a pickup. Also, what caused it to die? Hope I helped
 
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Old Jun 12, 2005 | 07:40 AM
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Old Jun 13, 2005 | 06:40 PM
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slychicken37
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From: West Lafayette, IN
My compressor will kick on but then shut off very rapidly. It had crossed my mind about doing a complete O-ring replacement. I might go ahead with replacing them, i would hate to se all my new refrigerant go to waste.

Tomorrow i am going to take another stab at it, then i will let you know how my progress goes.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2005 | 08:27 PM
  #5  
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From: Niceville, FL.
Here are some suggestions and links that are very helpful:
http://autoacrepairs.com/134aConversion.htm
http://www.shoptrac.com/r12retro.htm
I like polyolester oil for retrofitting Fords, it's compatible with the original mineral oil. Make sure you get a new accumulator with desiccant that is compatible with R134A. Change the orfice tube from the original blue to a new red one. Make sure thermostatic fan clutch is in good shape. In some trucks there is a mesh filter internal to the high pressure line at the lines' junction with the condenser output accessible at the fitting; make sure it is not clogged. If you don't have one, rent or borrow a good vacuum pump and "pull vacuum" for at least an hour before charging. Advance Auto Parts probably still sells conversion kits for Fords that have all the proper o-rings and fittings. J.C. Whitney sells a high pressure cut out switch (see p/n WF817432P); it's must in hot locations with a full charge. Take care and be "cool".
 

Last edited by Piffery1; Jun 13, 2005 at 08:29 PM. Reason: added words
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