converting air conditioning

[StangerJon]

what do you have to do to do this? about how much does it cost? just thinking it should be done before this summer comes up. it's called r134 that you have to convert it to right?

[SVOeric]

for my ranger -- i just bought the $30 kit from k-mart, and converted it. it lasted about 3 years, now the compressor is leaking

I don't know if that is from 290,000 miles, or from the conversion -

[KevinK]

I guess 3 years isn't too bad. The thing everyone keeps mentioning is the seals need to be changed for the new freon. The ac lines are pretty simple to put new orings on (and cheap) but the compressor uses a viton seal which is not compatiable and will degrade with time. The compressor seal can probably only be changed by rebuilding the compressor. It's hard to believe the compressors are not being rebuilt but replacements seem limited.

I'm all for doing it right with new seals etc. but $30 and 3 years is hard to pass up.

[NY eric]

rebuild

Anyone out there know where i can send a compressor to be rebuilt for the 134A? As seen on recent posts it dosnt mater where I can ship just about anything anywhere.

[SVOeric]

because the stash of AC compressors for our cars has dried up -- it may be worth the $$ to use r-12 instead of 134 --

12 is still available at most shops, it's just expensive!

I haven't seen anyone that rebuilds Compressors, but there may be someone out there ??

[sweetwm]

Converting Air Conditioning

The last word I received when I asked about a reman compressor I was told that they were not made to be rebuilt as they were welded together in the final assy. Just looking at one, that appears to be the case. I was also told that if you change the dryer and a small in-line filter (or strainer) and add the R-134 with the proper oil that the compressor seal should be OK. Maybe someone else can be more specific about the small in-line filter/strainer.

Bill Hatfield

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Re: Converting Air Conditioning

Originally posted by sweetwm
Maybe someone else can be more specific about the small in-line filter/strainer.

Bill Hatfield

That's called the "liquid line" orifice. In many A/C systems the orifice is replaceable but in the SVO it was crimped in to place along with the hose end when being manufactured. Replacement hose ends with a new orifice can be made up at any good HVAC hose supply house.

[cccccc]

is the ac system in ours cars fairly easy to take out?

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Originally posted by cccccc
is the ac system in ours cars fairly easy to take out?

The hardest part to remove is the evaporator core, which is right between the glove box and the heater core.

[Alan]

Previous owner of my car did a complete R134a conversion with an entirely different compressor. I'll try to find more information or perhaps find someone for you to talk to regarding the conversion since I am not too familiar with it.

[GAboySVO]

I did a google search just recently for a "HR980 compressor" and came across a site that indicated that Ford had come up with a retrofit kit that replaced the HR980 with a FS6 compressor. Here's what it said:

All W/Factory AC W/V6 3.8 (232) Eng. Before 10-87 & After 1-86 W/HR980 WO/Clutch (The HR980 For This Application Has Been Discontinued And Replaced By A Compressor Conversion Kit (Part #2028N). This Kit Contains A New FS6 Compressor W/Clutch, Suction Line W/Accumulator, Discharge Hose, Power Steering Pulley, Compressor Mount Kit, Serpentine Belt & Instructions.)

http://aircoparts.com/images/homepage/CO_Ford.html#Anchor-47990

[Fordman]

I'm digging up an old thread here, but I came across it in a search.

GABoy,
What you posted is about the 3.8L in the LTD.
Are you saying that as long as it is the same compressor, the mounting is the same no matter what engine it is on (assuming its the same belt setup serpentine or v-belt)?

[NavySVO]

call these folks

http://www.acsource.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=744

[SVOBart]

Mine was converted to what appears to be a Nippondenso compressor, similar to what is found on 5.0L Mustangs. I'll take some pics of the compressor and the bullet-proof mounting bracket (you'll see what I mean in the pics!) when I get home.

[Bingo13]

After my compressor disintegrated a couple of weeks ago I decided to convert the entire system to R134a after failing to find a HR980 or FS6 kit that would fit. I purchased a complete conversion kit from Motion Dynamics. I will post pics once the car is out of the shop. The compressor is from Sanden.