how good should an 86 Air conditioner be?

[jeepkid]

we replaced my AC in my 86 XLT and i dont think its very good..but then again im kinda comparing it to newer cars, but even 90's had really good ac, any ways to fix this? or am i stuck with it? and yes, the side windows are one of the greatest creations of mankind

 

[50joe]

Depends. If you found someone that had some r-12, or equivalant laying around, and refilled it using that, It should be as cold as new if the system is working properly. If you changed it over to R-134, your right. It probably isn't nearly as good as it was, or as newer cars are. Unfortunately, when the old systems are converted, they don't work as well as they should. Just the nature of the beast.

 

[jeepkid]

how can i tell if its r-12 or 134? we are talking about the coolant stuff right?

 

[Rons beast]

Rule of thumb is the air temp out of the center veny should be able to blow at at least 42*

My bronco and all my other cars are at least that cold.

Here in Fla. they have to be.

 

[jeepkid]

i live in texas, i need it too

 

[Rons beast]

If it was converted to 134 it should have a sticker prominently displayed under the hood, and the charging ports are larger. (they are converted by ***** on adapters) normal R12 lines willnot connect to the R134 ports. Also R134 ports have internal threads R12's are external.

Hope this helps.

Today it was 96 here and I got 38* out of my 134 fed 96 Beast.

 

[jeepkid]

i dont remember seeing a sticker.. thanks guys!

 

[AdamDude04]

I would think it would be easy to convert to a new vehicle system.

Maintain the pump on the motor but the condensor and such could be converted to almost any setup on any new vehicle right?

I gotta change mine. Altho mine makes me cold when it's 90 outside. May wait till next summer..

 

[jeepkid]

i just figured out my system had a crack in it, and by law i cant refill it until i fix it.. il prolly just get a new system..

 

[Rons beast]

What part has the crack?

You do have to repair the problem, but there is no need to convert to all new parts when changing to R134. The compressor, condensor, and evaporator can all remain as well as all the hoses. (assuming they are all in good shape)

YOU MUST CHANGE THE ACCUMULATOR, or reciever/dryer. It has to be changed any time a system is opened. It is very wise to change the expansion valve too when doing a conversation. There is a difference between the R12 and R134 tubes. It may not be perceptable, but there is a difference, and they are cheep. (less than $4).

The system MUST be flushed with a non residual solvent, and blown dry with compressed air. It's best to do the hoses,condenser, and evap. separatly. Remove the compressor and turn it to drain the oil. Catch the oil in some container. This is important for later. Let it sit and drain for an hour or so. the longer the better. (just don't leave it for a week.)

Refill the compressor with the proper oil. Esther, or Ice34, about an amount equil to what you drained out. Do NOT REUSE THE OLD OIL....FOR ANYTHING! dispose of properly (there, Im safe)

Add another couple ounces of oil to the accuumulator, just dribble it in, and replace the caps until you are ready to install.

Do not add more total oil than the system should have. Find the recommended volume on a sticker ,or look it up. Usually it's about 8oz. but find out.

Use new o rings and seals when reassmbling. **** them well in the refrigerent oil, never use them dry.

When you have it all back together, the system MUST BE VACCUMED, for at least 45 min. prefered an hour. This will boil out any moisture.

Then check to see if the system will hold at least 30hz of vac. for 20 min.

If it does the system is tight and you can begin the recharge with the proper amount of R134.

I have done this to convert some of my other older cars and get a great result. Air that's cold enough to make the wife complain...even here in Fla.

Good luck It really isn't a hard job. Much easier than changing a cam or manifold.

 

[jeepkid]

dunno what has a crack in it, but theres a crack somewere, gotta find it and either have it repaired, or buy a new system

 

[Xxxyank]

Well from previous experiences updating AC systems (not on a Bronco)... Besides the normal conversion you can get along with compressor, adding a R-134a cross-flow Condenser (in-front of the radiator) & a R134 Evaporator (normally under the dash besides the blower)that is when you will see great improvement.

It's tricky to do, cause unless some parts dealer has done there homework & offers a package... You have to do your own measurements & get something that will fit... Then you typically have to get new lines made-up, cause you rarely fined something as a perfect match but I have my own tools for that... But normally a truck shop can make the lines up for you locally...

It's not an overly hard job, but the research you have to put in, can take some time... then getting everything at the right price will drive you nuts!

My 95 Bronco seems to be working fine but it's was back when they were changing over from R-12 at the factory... it is NOW R134a system or it has been converted to it.... But if it wasn't, i would be doing some measurements to update it! it's to dang hot to be running around in a two window truck with no air! I'm surprised BG hasn't come-up with one yet... even the British cars i work on occasionally, They have update kits for them, i have seen the air-vent temp down to the high 30's!

Some systems can easily be converted (An work awesome like it was meant to be an R134a) & some can't... on the 90's 240 Volvo it is about 50 buxs plus refrigerant... I had a 90 Chrysler, a few years ago & it was just a pain in the... It is what it is, i'm sure someone here can fill you in on these Broncos

Anyways Good luck to yeah!