A/C change and update

Knuckledragger

blowing chunks and grabbing porcelain
Joined
Nov 7, 2008
Posts
2,338
Reaction score
232
Location
Payson, AZ
I have been running without air for 10 years and now that I am making a few runs into AZ, it seems like it is time to get serious about updating my A/C system. The R12 is long gone, although I have never opened the system. It never worked the few times I switched on the A/C.

I have been reading about updating the system to R134a and am ready to replace the compressor and drier anyway. Looked on RockAuto and found a kit with Compressor, drier, O rings and other parts I might need for only $225.00. I remember reading that R134a needs a different orifice valve than R12, anyone know the difference, or what valve to order?

I am a wrench turner (I did build the engine) but have no A/C equipment (gauges, vacuum, tanks, nothing). I figure to install everything and then take it to the A/C shop and have a vacuum pulled and the new gas installed to finish the project. Sound reasonable, or just a waste of time?

Thanks for any guidance or help.
 

Kizer

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Posts
722
Reaction score
291
Location
Denton, Texas
I just put a Murray branded FULL system in my truck (Reilly's) with zero A/C experience.
I did my interweb research and rented/borrowed all A/C specific tools from O'Reilly's.
It took me all day ... after $100 rebate, I've got COLD air for about $560 including R134A.
 

Kizer

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Posts
722
Reaction score
291
Location
Denton, Texas
The orifice tube that I used was blue ... parts jockey said that was the correct one?
 

IDIBRONCO

IDIBRONCO
Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Posts
12,237
Reaction score
10,925
Location
edmond, ks
I don't have much A/C experience either. I will be following this since I HAVE GOT to do this to mine too.
 

Knuckledragger

blowing chunks and grabbing porcelain
Joined
Nov 7, 2008
Posts
2,338
Reaction score
232
Location
Payson, AZ
Could not help but buy this deal. $233 including taxes, shipping and RockAuto discount. Now all I have to do is find time to install it.
 

chris142

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2012
Posts
3,007
Reaction score
353
Location
SoCal
When you retrofit to r134a from r12 you use 15% less refrigerant. This corrolates to an orifice thats 15% smaller than the stock blue one. The orange one is the best choice.
 

WAID

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2018
Posts
134
Reaction score
154
Location
PDX
I recently did mine and put a red tube in it. Reports seemed mixed about red vs orange but my system seems to be working well.
 

Kizer

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Posts
722
Reaction score
291
Location
Denton, Texas
He sold you an R12 tube. It will work ok. Better with the orange one.

Well crap. It's working well so I won't be changing it out ... unless it's going to be ******* my new system.
I don't really understand the function of the orifice tube.

Can you enlighten me?
Thank you
 

79jasper

Chickenhawk
Joined
Oct 13, 2012
Posts
17,367
Reaction score
1,930
Location
Collinsville, Oklahoma
Well crap. It's working well so I won't be changing it out ... unless it's going to be ******* my new system.
I don't really understand the function of the orifice tube.

Can you enlighten me?
Thank you
Maybe this will help you.
xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 

chris142

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2012
Posts
3,007
Reaction score
353
Location
SoCal
Basically It makes the system go from high pressure to low pressure allowing the refrigerant to boil on the evaporator and getting cold.
 
Top