(V) Need Help: Auto Air Conditioning

na | 05-03-02 | Tall_Texan

[Tall_Texan]

I live in Texas where air conditioning is not optional during the summer months. My 1993 pickup truck was built with an an air conditioning system that needs the old and no-longer-produced R12 refrigerant which was banned from further production by the 1996 Federal Clean Air Act passed by a Republican congress and signed by Bill Clinton. The R12 allegedly harms the ozone. What's left of the refrigerant that is still on the market has risen in price considerably.

Newer vehicles use an R134a cooling system which is less efficient (doesn't cool as well) and has a track record of damaging the compressor much more frequently than the R12 system.

My AC had no troubles for the decade I've owned it but it lately has had trouble cooling so I took it to be serviced. The service people identified a leak, wanted to replace the compressor and a few other parts and gave me an estimate close to $1000. I'm not sure if the resale value of the truck, itself, is $1000. Anyway, that's a significant cost which I *could* afford but would rather not if there's a way around it.

My AC apparently has just 1/3rd of the coolant still in it. I'd really like it to work as I'm accustomed to this summer but I'd like to know if any in our vast knowledge base on FR have some better ideas.

Outside of driving to Mexico and letting someone outside the U.S. fix this vehicle (which I bet they could do for darn little expense if I could speak the language and trust their skill), what other options are there?

I've been told about the R134a retrofit onto R12s but I've also heard a new compressor and some other changes would be needed to do this and, even with an entirely new system, the R134a is less effective in warmer climates.

My fan blows just fine and I still get cool air at times, just not cool enough. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

[RichardW]

Funny this should be posted now. I also live in Texas and I am in the process of installing a/c on a 96 Ford Ranger that did not come with it. I attempted to get it installed at the Ford dealership but they no longer offer the kit. Having no choice, I checked around and decided, since I have sufficient time and motivation, to install it myself. You might check out this site for some information. I'll bet they can fix you up. They've been very helpful so far and installation or repairs on a pickup should be infinetly easier than a typical front wheel drive car that, to my eyes, is almost impossible.

http://www.ackits.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=2;hardset=45;start_point=0

[Tall_Texan]

My brother (a tightwad and a liberal but we love him anyway)bought a Toyota when he lived in Massachussetts that had no air conditioning. Later, he moved to Hollywood, FL and has still driven around in that car down there for at least four years. What's worse is he has a job where he's expected to wear a coat and tie in the office.

Frankly, I don't know how he endures it. The car is now on its last days and he's going to bite the bullet and buy a new one soon. I assume he'll get air conditioning in this one! Yes, I know how hot Florida can get. It's nice you found a guy who was willing to help you out.

[Tall_Texan]

Take it to Mexico and get it filled. While you're there be sure to load up on cheap liquor and over the counter prescriptions so that you make a profit from the trip!

LOL! I'll be sure to bring back some Viagara for you.

[Tall_Texan]

Well, this was the last year they put plenty of room under the hood so it's easy to get hands in and out. I'm a little intimidated by DIY kits though. Following directions was never one of strong suits.

[Kaslin]

JoshGray Member since April 12 2002

Take it to Mexico or buy a new truck, IMO.

That is an uncalled for remark for a Newby

[Kaslin]

Oops sorry misread IMO as LMAO

[JoshGray]

Riiiiiiiiight.

[DuncanWaring]

In Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) on the north end of the Gulf of California, there's signs all over (in English) advertising "We fix R-12 AC".

[JoshGray]

It's cool.

[Illwind]

I live in Kansas and we have a product available at NAPA autoparts called freeze 12. Cost $6.50 a can and mixes with freon 12..Beats paying for a new pump, dryer and expansion valve.

[Xenalyte]

Jeez, I hate it when that happens.

Exploding Head Incident

(And yes, I'm aware that that would be a good name for a band.)

[RLK]

mark for referral. I took a year of air conditioning and refregeration school 20 years ago but never got a freon certification required since then.

[Xenalyte]

Henry Rollins rules!

[Stand Watch Listen]

From WEB site http://www.freeze12.com/

Johnsen's Freeze 12™ is an alternative refrigerant developed to replace R-12 in mobile air conditioning systems. Performance and efficiency are very similar to R-12. EPA accepted."

FREEZE 12™ is EPA acceptable for mobile applications subject to the use conditions applicable to motor vehicle air conditioning.

FREEZE 12™ is an ideal replacement for R-12 requiring no extensive training.

FREEZE 12™ is a patented product.

FREEZE 12™ is non-flammable and contains no CFC'S.

FREEZE 12™ is made from readily available raw materials.

FREEZE 12™ requires no system flushes or lubricant change. It works with the existing R-1 2 lubricant.

FREEZE 12™ has been sold for several years and has been installed successfully in thousands of makes and models without problems. Conversion simply requires different fittings and labels which are available through H&H Inc.

FREEZE 12™ is the ideal replacement for older R-12 A/C systems that normally require expensive retrofitting to R-134a.

FREEZE 12™ is priced below R-12.

FREEZE 12™ is lighter than R-12 therefore you will not have to use as much. Approximately 90% of the required R-12 charge is all that is needed.

 

[Tall_Texan]

1) remove windshield

2) go fast

I thought about that but the insects smashing into my face would be an unpleasant experience and, besides, I've been known to sing on long car trips.

On the other hand, I could tell people I was with with Chrysler and was experimenting on a new type of convertible.