Here is a pretty good write up on the conversion...Mark

 

wow i have r134a in my truck and it works great.....


oh ya they also have it in every car on the road as well....they must all have edit a/c

 

Point one - you are considerably North of Florida. It's just a little cooler in BC. 134a conversions work "OK", my truck does alright on hot days here in PA if I keep it on "MAX". But in 100 degree, 98% humidity climates like FL a 134a conversion will not keep the truck comfortable.
Point two - 134a systems need larger condensers than R12 systems did. 134a systems are engineered with this fact in mind, use appropriately sized condensers, and thus work very well. I've no complaints about the A/C in my Buick, it was designed for 134a and blows ice cubes on the hottest of days.

 

WEll, found out I need a compressor/clutch. Took the truck to my buddy (ASE certified A C) and he checked it for me. Next is a classified ad here for a compressor/clutch. I have checked with a local Auto parts store here and it's $299.00. Guess they are scarce!! Thanks everyone for all the help/suggestions!!

Thanks Up Front

Will

 

Do a search, there was a recent thread about compressors and I linked to a site that had new ones for a reasonable price. I have to go climb a mountain , but when I get back I'll try to find it...Mark

 

Thanks for the detailed post....at least somebody has a clue why 134A doesn't cool as well in these trucks!

 

Because it is a 30 year old system, that was designed for r12 and likely has thousands or 100's of thousands of miles with r12 in it. R12 has different properties than r134a and r134a is going to work better in a system designed for it...in my opinion for what it's worth...Mark

 

Your post doesn't say if your rig is ic or not, but here is one for 239 and free shipping...Mark

 

Thank You for bringing that to my attention. I have corrected the ad. My engine is intercooled.

Thanks Up Front to everyone

Will

 

No problem, I just looked and there is a brand new one listed for 245, with clutch and free shipping, that is cheap...Mark

 

Well of all things again. I was just very surprised that Auto Zone, a local parts supplier can furnish me with a A/C compressor clutch for my truck. Imagine that, and for $64.00music to my ears!!! Also found some Freeze 12 on E-bay. I just may get this A/C fixed after all. My friend checked the clutch yesterday and it did not engage!!

Just for a heads up I found a RE-man compressor w/1yr. warranty on E-bay for $137.00. Co. from Michigan has them for intercooled and non-intercooled engnes. Non-intercooled was $100.00 w/1yr. warranty.

Thanks to all

Will

 

Don't forget to change the expansion chamber, I think that is what it's called, the equivalent of a filter dryer...Mark

 

Did your friend jump the clutch directly or just check to see if it kicked in when the A/C was turned on? There's a lot that can prevent the clutch from kicking in since the clutch is controlled by the PCM.

 

My friend took the connection lose at the compressor and jumped a hot wire to it. But, he didn't do a complete A/C Check (check the high and low pressure etc.) A complete A/C check up will happen this evening before I order the clutch.

I hope I am covering all the bases before I go order parts.

Thanks Up Front

Will

 

Well, getting back to the repair of the A/C in my truck. The local dealer who stated they could get me a clutch fell thru. But, I e-mailed several e-bay sellers whom advertised the compressor/clutch and a seller sold me just a clutch for the compressor. I had hoped this thing would be blowing cold air by now, but, all takes time if you want to save your hard earned dollars. Going to try and get it installed today, hopefully. Not a lot of auto repair shops can help when you tell them you want to keep the R-12. They are just not set-up for R-12 anymore.

Found a local upholstery shop to replace my headliner for an amazingly low price (I thought) of $65.00. It looks great!!!

Thanks Up Front

Will