A/C conversion woes

Tgould

Registered User
Joined
Aug 1, 2016
Posts
19
Reaction score
2
Location
western WA
I didnt know r12 lasted into the 90s. Most of what I know is from early 80s stuff. Biggest changes I've seen with r134 vs r12 is the r134 is also the compressor lube. And r134 eats the old o'ring rubber material. If you can get stock parts for the 93 and better o-rings you can recharge with r134.
 

Mywifesidi

Registered User
Joined
Aug 17, 2025
Posts
4
Reaction score
0
Location
Redding CA
Thank you everyone for your replies, I didn't imagine I'd get this much info! So... The combo hose setup that connects to the compressor for an idi running a 134 setup is Four Seasons part number 55314. It fits perfect with the compressor mounted at a 45 as I learned these trucks do. It's long enough to wrap around behind the engine to the drier/accumulator and the other end is shorter and bent correct to pass above the power steering reservoir then hook onto the new larger condenser. I had a custom line made, #6 at the condenser, #8 spring lock fitting at the evaporator, 26" long. I had them make it a 90 degree at the evaporator as this helped clear the dip stick better in my opinion. I'll find Aggiediesel01's write up on adjusting the low pressure switch I and report back once I can get over to my friends shop for a vacuum and charge. I also have a part number for a four seasons compressor that has the plug in the correct orientation and a 6 rib pulley, I'll find it and add it at the end with a full parts list.
 

franklin2

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2009
Posts
5,591
Reaction score
1,865
Location
Va
I didnt know r12 lasted into the 90s. Most of what I know is from early 80s stuff. Biggest changes I've seen with r134 vs r12 is the r134 is also the compressor lube. And r134 eats the old o'ring rubber material. If you can get stock parts for the 93 and better o-rings you can recharge with r134.
R134a was mandated starting in 1994. All A/C systems lube using oil running around the system in the refrigerant. R12 used mineral oil, r134a uses ester oil or PAG oil.

If you are doing a "dirty" conversion going from r12 to r134a, you can use the ester oil and leave remnants of the old r12 oil in the system. If the system is totally clean and flushed, you can use the PAG oil.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
92,684
Posts
1,151,725
Members
26,029
Latest member
Philipmartin2000

Members online

Top