A/C compressor - Swap vs. 134A conversion.

[fastboatman29212]

Here's my dilemma: I want to modernize my A/C with a newer more up to date compressor. Is it possible to swap in a modern compressor?

My A/C hasn't worked since I've owned the truck. Doubt that it worked in the last 14 years either. I've been asking around town. Nobody seems to wanna touch my trucks A/C.

One place would charge me $250. Said it needed a new drier and the old oil removed, then conversion to 134A.

Another place said they wouldn't do it. Most don't have the R12 recovery equipment anyway.

Last place I went to said the older compressors work with a lower pressure and the conversion wouldn't last.

If any of the above advice is correct, then the kits in the parts stores would be a waste of $$$$.

Ideally, I would swap in a newer compressor from Pull-a-Part after flushing my lines and putting in a new drier. Any advice would be appreciated.

[sx moneypit]

I have done plenty of retrofits using the same compressor and just changing the drier out and adding PAG oil to the system with good results.However i would recommend putting a new(if it available) or reman compressor,receiver-dryer and flush the old oil out (before you put the new parts on of course)and adding the correct amount of oil.This how i did my wife's 87 300ZX and it does just as good of a job of cooling as the R12 refrigerant did.Keep in mind that when you recharge the system you put 90% of the factory charge in the system.

[fastboatman29212]

Thanks for responding. By chance, do you know if any of the hardbody compressors swap in?

**Edit** Just answered my own question. Looks like the 4 cylinder 95 Hardbody (other years also probably) uses the same compressor and those would have used 134A in 1995.

I have 4 cans of R12. I will get this done professionally and let them choose R12 or retrofit and use 134A. Hope to do it next week.

[sx moneypit]

If it was me i would go ahead and retrofit it.Maybe the shop you take it to will swap you some parts or labor for your R12 (that stuff ain't cheap).

[86 720]

The PO from my truck converted from R12 to R134a, he bought a new compressor, hoses, everything and did it himself. It just recently quit on my truck and I took it in to get diagnosed and a cost. Firestone wanted $1000 to install a new compressor plus labor and flush everything, and install new R134a freon.

Was thinking of doing it all myself since a new compressor is $250 from Autozone. However I would need to most likely flush everything out.

Would recommend flushing everything and installing new o-rings in your system. As always, replace the drier/accumulator.

[fastboatman29212]

Thanks guys!
Drier is $50 and I probably can get it done for an additional $180 labor. My worry is that they will not thoroughly test it for leaks and it will last 3 months and then if I take it back all they'll say is "must have a leak somewhere - you need to replace all the hoses and seals - that'll be another $400" . In other words, they'll just vacuum and charge it and grab the easy cash.

I want my A/C to work so I'll prolly getter done.

[drumaniac3000]

Autozone usually rents the vacuum pumps out so you could do it yourself and check for leaks.

[synack7350]

I have a drier / receiver with hoses for some model whatever but its brand new and might work I'll part with it for 10bcks and whatever shipping works out to be. I'll pop you some photos if you want. with hoses I think these are usually in the 70's range.

[fastboatman29212]

I sent you a PM. I'd like to see pics and if it'll work that would be awesome! Thanx.

[synack7350]

again i'm not sure exactly what it was supposed to go in, but if you could make it work awesome! I've been holding on to it forever hoping someone could use it.

[fastboatman29212]

Well, I'm not sure about it either. I googled the part but apparently it's not from this planet.

Since I can get an aftermarket replacement for around $38, I think that would be my safest bet. Besides, I'm not certain I will need a new one.

Thanks for offering to help!

[synack7350]

yeah I dunno I did a search on the part too I have no idea what it fits