Factory ac keep you cool?

[Mikewb]

Anybody have factory style a/c that works well enough to keep you cool while cruisin?

[Low87]

Back when it worked it did.

[Mikewb]

Im thinkin about gettin all the stuff to fix mine. Just didnt want to waste money if it wont keep me cool. anybody know if the compressors are interchangeable or you have to have the type that came on the truck?

[Rogue_Alphonse]

I do! I self-converted mine to R-134A by making sure the system had no refrigerant left in it, then dropped in some 134, an oil charge, more 134, then a leak/seal charge. It gets so cold that some condensation leaks inside of my truck Now to replace the heater core...

[Mikewb]

to make sure it was empty did you just run a flush through it? and how many cans of 134 does it take to fill an empty system? and how many 12 ounce cans of r12?

[youwish2bme]

My 87 on MAX AC will freeze you out in about 10 miles. The 86 I'm working on now it takes about 15 miles. R12 is the best! It is still available you just have to have a license.

Dave

[Mikewb]

also how big of bottle of oil did you use? thanks for info guys

[Rogue_Alphonse]

Originally Posted by Mikewb

to make sure it was empty did you just run a flush through it? and how many cans of 134 does it take to fill an empty system? and how many 12 ounce cans of r12?

I did it the worst way anyone could really... I pushed down the schrader valve on the high side and there was nothing, no pressure at all. I had to jump the compressor to get it to draw in the 134, which was out of a 30 pound container using an old R-22 line mated to one of those AutoZone low-side filler kit lines. Just filled it until it started sweating at the compressor.

Today it was 87 and I kept having to turn the switch between Vent and Bi-Lev because it was freezing my foot off with the fan speed all the way down. I can't wait to get the windows tinted now!

It also doesn't affect my highway mileage, but it does affect the city mileage. It helps that it's a diesel I guess.

[Mikewb]

so you just held it down till nothing came out?
also what do you mean when u say jumped the compressor? and how much of that 30lbs would you guess that it used?

[68longhorn]

works great in my 86, ice cold!

[Mikewb]

really? cool. any help on the compressor question is appreciated. and thanks guys

[Mikewb]

And how much difference in mileage is there from using ac and not. or is this a not true thing

[baclay9]

My Dad's factory r12 will flat freeze you out! 36 deg vent temps on 110 deg days
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[Mikewb]

and what all has to be done to convert to the diff coolant?
and if the condenser has been open for years is it bad?

[tucsonjwt]

Yes, but - the compressor needs to be in good shape and charged, R134A does not cool as well as R12(still available), (new EPA mandated refrigerant to be required soon), original A/C system has a lot of vacuum valves/actuators and cables/levers - so after 30 years or so those items need replacing/maintenance.
The original big A6 compressors were replaced with R4 but those usually have serpentine belt, not individual drive belts. Rebuilt compressors never lasted long for me, and a new compressor is many hundreds of dollars. If I had to bring an old factory A/C system back to life with a lot of repairs, I would check out the Vintage Air thread on this forum elsewhere - all electronic and more modern.
You probably give up 1-2 mpg with A/C on, but most of these old squares only get 10-12 mpg anyway.

[Mikewb]

yea. i have all the parts still on the truck except for the compressor. and i have one but not sure which one and if pulleys can be changed out. is it possible to charge it yourself with the new stuff they have? or how much roughly are you lookin at to have it done. just gettin ideas
And was the yes to my question about the condensor?

[franky69c10]

mine is so cold

[Mikewb]

basically lookin to compare costs if i go to salvage get a compressor re seal it and install then get flushed and filled. versus buyin a vintage air and then also having it filled.

[85gmcguy]

Get a good "lifetime warranty" compressor, a drier, and a orifice tube. New hoses if yours don't look really good. Unless your old compressor fragged, your condenser and evaporator should be ok. If you're not sure, flush the system with a solvent designed for A/C systems. You have to pull a good vacuum before you charge it. Shouldn't be more than 150-200 for parts. I did mine back in May and even with 134A it'll freeze you in 90 degree weather.

[Goldfinger]

mine's ice cold it just puts so much drag on the engine.

[CaliDude76]

I have and older compressor, and had the guy pull a long vacuum, and replenish it wit 134a... I get vent temps in the lower 40's when it's 90+ outside.

Stop and go traffic, is good, but highway freezes me out.. I have to put it to the fan setting right above low.. and I'm golden

[Mikewb]

it seems like when i got the truck it had everything but didnt work and i took the compressor off. so im not sure if it was messed up or just leaked. how do you you clean it with that solvent? and the condenser has just been open attached to the truck for years is why i asked but im guessing cleaning it will be fine. And what parts are the dryer and orifice tube? im lookin in lmc and dont see them. Thanks guys its 115 degrees around here

[tucsonjwt]

The problem with a lifetime warranty on a compressor is that when it fails you will have pay somebody to evacuate your system, return the compressor, refill the system. I have had no luck with auto parts stores rebuilt compressors.

[motornut]

i had a friend get his old car ac going last year took him quite a while getting parts and cash only to have it not work again this year
mine burb was cold while it lasted tho
if it was mine i'd go vintage air,all new stuff,and you can call for tec support

[68c10owner]

the factory a/c n my 83 works pretty good. could be better on really hot day but works good enough that I`m not sweating and my kids are comfortable when its on. The only problem i have with it is when its on it "spits" like a miss or something. Was told the compressor may be on it`sway out but dont have the money to replace it just yet and haven`t had time to diagnos it correctly either. My 65 el camino is a factory a/c car but missing the compressor and stuff so I`ll probably just the vintage air kit for that.