randrx2

The AC is shot on my 1988 Cherokee. Shop says I need compressor, evaporator, accumulator, and expansion valve.

I can get all the parts myself and replace. My question is, how do I convert to R134a? Is it just a matter of adding it since my system is empty?

Also, will the compressor be rated for R134a?

Thanks.

FlyingLow

Are you talking about the actual refrigerant?

BudgetXJ

Once you have replaced all of that stuff, I'd take it to an A/C shop and get it vacuumed and charged with r134a properly. No sense in spending all that time/money just to try and charge it yourself. Especially if you don't have a vacuum pump.

And you should make sure that the compressor is compatible with r134a and if you do the charge yourself, make sure you oil it with the correct amount of oil as r134a isn't self lubricating whereas the old r12 was.

JeepingDan

Retrofit is easy. Part # FJC. Inc 2538 But you should bring it to a AC shop so it's properly sucked down and refilled with oil and refigerant. It shouldint cost alot for them to do that.

Firestorm500

You might want to consider replacing your hoses with R134A compatible.

The R12 hoses do not have the barrier inside to keep the 134 from leaking out gradually. 134 is more reactive and volatile than 12.

Hoses are 22 years old anyway. They have done their job.

By all means have the final vaccum and charge done at a reputable and certified shop.

Since you have to replace nearly everything, make sure all is 134 compatable. Don't go back to 12 after all this.

red91

The airconditioning in my 91 is shot what year did they switch to r134

randrx2

I will take it to a shop to fill. I do not have the equipment for that. I figure I can save about $400 on labor by replacing the parts myself. I had not heard of the hoses not being compatible. I guess I might as well replace it all though.

4.3L XJ

If you are going to get all those parts, one thing you will want to do is get new hoses and o rings for them. R134A is a blended refrigerant and the lighter components will leak out of standard R12 hoses.

randrx2

anyone know where i can get replacement hoses? i can't find online anywhere. i think i am going to just get new ones made

4.3L XJ

When I got compressors for my AC and OBA I got one of each, R12 and 134A. The difference was the oil that was in the compressor, and the R12 had schrader valves on the back of the housing, which would be real handy for a 134A conversion. Our XJs have king valves on the top that work great for attaching gages. But once you put the adaptors on, then it is hard to hook up gages and vacuum pumps etc. What you might try to do is find a compressor with the R134A fittings on them, and then empty the oil out and put the oil in required for R134A. I got mine for $220 new from a street rod outfit back east. Just Google Sanden compressors and you will find a number of sources. Also you might as well get new hoses that are for 134A. It is a blend and will diffuse through regular hoses and you will have to keep recharging, and eventually you will have to replace it all again to make it work properly if you don't.

4.3L XJ

I had mine made at an AC shop.

randrx2

my shop can only do the hoses and not the metal tubing, did you just do hoses or did they make exact replacements?

Jamie57

Have you guys heard of the R12A refrigerant? Apprently it's ozone friendly and here in Canada (where our motto is NO!!) it's ok for the average joe to recharge with it.
Maybe it's too new for the beaurocrats to figure out how to screw us over on it.

4.3L XJ

They just used metal fittings and filled in with hoses. One fitting I had to get from the pick and pull is the check valve that goes on the drier. You will notice that the new hose will be a lot thicker than the old ones.

4.3L XJ

R12A is not a floroclorocarbon. It is just propane and butane. So, yes it is a ozone friendly substance. It will work, and the average guy can buy it.