P9106 Getting AC...part list?

[Greg5OH]

Well, 4 years of driving this big ol truck with no AC is getting to me. time to get the AC going.
Only thing I have for the system is an old wiped out compressors that has had its lines off forever and two evap cores.

I want to build the AC system once, and do it right. I know we have a bunch of AC gurus in here! Trying to piece it together as cheap as I can..

so I need:
New compressor (V belt driven)
Condenser
drier
evap core (i have two used ones...do I try to save 50 and use old? or jsut buy new?)
oriface valve (which color?)
do I need an expansion valve?
suction line
liquid line
high pressure line

anything else? With the compressor I am lookin at about $500. thats more than I want to pay but...at least AC system would be brand new then..

 

[The Warden]

I would suggest buying a new condenser and evaporator, and get them for a 1994 or later truck. They should bolt in (although you will probably need hoses, etc. to match, and since you're V-belt-driven, some custom work may needed), and they're factory R-134a, so they'll transfer heat (on the condenser) and cold (on the evaporator) more efficiently than using components meant for R-12 with R-134a running.

Actually, I'd go so far as to say run the R-134a stuff even if you intend to use R-12, because they're more efficient and will work better.

I don't remember model numbers, but I recall a conversation discussing the fact that the compressors that Dodge used on their trucks in the 90's are more efficient (less drag on the engine) and move more refrigerant than the FS-6 compressor that Ford used on our trucks; however, that won't be a bolt-on. Still might be worth looking into.

Beyond that, I'd love to see what others have to come up with...I'm a penguin and want a system that gets as cold as possible.

I will say this...you'll get mixed opinions on what refrigerant to run. I'm firmly on the side of "use a refrigerant meant for automobiles (R-12, R-134a, etc)". Simple reason: if you use an exotic refrigerant blend, and something happens when you're out on the road, you won't be able to take it to a shop to repair the system. If a shop tries to evacuate a system with an exotic refrigerant, it will ruin the refrigerant recovery device.

Hope this helps a bit...good luck! I'm a few steps away from dealing with the A/C on my '91, but I'm starting to think about it. I will note that I'm planning to run an intercooler off a 6.0L, and I'm planning to mount the A/C condenser so that it's in front of the intercooler. I might also run an electric fan in front of the condenser to keep from getting pressure spikes, but that'll depend on how much space I have and how much of a problem it turns out to be.

 

[riphip]

go to www.ackits.com & get more answers.

Sign up in forum. Free
Lots of info on all kinds of auto a/c repairs. You can find most of the parts at http://www.rockauto.com

 

[HS108]

If you can use Orifice tube Napa part #TEM 207319B (the orange one)

Let me know its on the house, I have 5 extras

 

[chris142]

Usually r12 systems are sae threads and r134a are metric. The 94+ condenser is a good idea if it will screw together

 

[Greg5OH]

So since i need a new compressor, should I just get everything from a 94+ truck? Then only the clutch would have to be changed.

Or...I stick with all 91 AC stuff, and just fill with R12...which doesnt look to be cheap.

what are the charge numbers for the refrigerant and oil, for r12 and r134a respectively?

 

[Greg5OH]

so you guys dont think there is an issue runniung a used compressor?

I want this to be a straightforward bolt on application with as little modifying and screwing around as possible. May just pony up the cash for r12 cans, run r12 that way I just buy everything foir a 91 truck, bolt it in just like OEM and be on my cool way

 

[79jasper]

I mean, that's the thing with something like a used compressor. Say it's bad. You loose the money on the compressor, plus all the refrigerant.

You could use the enviro-safe stuff. Everything I've read says it works better than r134a.
Which I learned is about to be phased out because of the patent expiration or something like that. The new stuff will be R1234yz (iirc)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[Greg5OH]

that enviro safe stuff is definitly cheaper. and says it works the same in in r134 and an r12 system.

 

[jwalterus]

a note on the r1234 since I work in a dealership family

Honda, Nissan, and GM (at least on the local level) are refusing to use it until they can't get r134 anymore

just letting you know

 

[Greg5OH]

im planning on using this pump
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-vacuum-pump-with-r134a-and-r12-connectors-96677.html

picked up some gauges on ebay as well.

This system will be totalyl empty so drawing a vaccum on nothing is no problem, But say i want to vacuum down my Lexus and evacuate whatever is in there and do a fresh recharge. Will this pump evacuate the system? or how does one do that?

I am a total noob with anything AC related.

 

[HS108]

As you know I just redid my system, I have R134a from the factory, and Im now blowing a Solid 40 Degrees out the vents, sometime maybe a hair lower when Im getting more air flow. I also haven't done the heater core divert mod, and my insulation is all ripped on my evap enclosure, so IN THEORY I could lower that even more.

I mean lets be honest. How much colder do you really need blowing out the vents?

I would just use that Envirosafe stuff if you can source it easy enough, and keep the system Stock. Once you do it right, you shouldn't have to mess with it again for awhile.

 

[Greg5OH]

so get all 1991 parts, run evnirosafe and call it a day ya? Does it need oil?

And what about evacuating the system of old refrigerant? (say my old evap core still has green goo in it)

 

[79jasper]

Be prepared that vacuum pump needs a huge quantity of air. But it does work well.

Far as I know, you would have to let anything out first. This won't pump it into a container or anything.
What's nice is it hooks right to my gauge set. (Also bought at harbor freight)

I would flush everything out and do new oil.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[HS108]

I would also flush it out, its really not that hard, I thought it was gonna be a lot worse than It was.

I left the Evap and Condenser in place, Sprayed it with a can of AC flush I bought at the store. http://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/BK_7653135

I then blew air though the system, Filled the system with Denatured Alcohol, Blew air through. Repeat in both directions.

I bought a length of clear tubing to attach to the end of the unit I was cleaning so I could see what was coming out.

Leave them open to the air for a bit to dry out and evap the Alcohol.