95 ZJ how to determine if A/C is R134A or R22
 

Hello,

I was required to remove my a/c condenser to free up some room in order to install a new radiator that's thicker than the OEM.

Now I have a/c that's needs a recharge, however I'm uncertain if the a/c is R22 or R134A. (there are no stickers related to a/c under the hood). From what I've read so far some vehicles that used R22 installed a compressor and/or condenser designed for R22. Some people converting to R134A will swap out the compressor and condenser for one designed for R134A.

In 1995 car manufactures started to switch to R134A, so the a/c potentailly can be either R22 or R134A.

How is it determined? I think the 134A conversion kits may install different shredder valve on the low side? Something to do with quick disconnect?

I've been looking around for a/c gauges with manifold and hoses and also a vacumm pump which should be used to evacuate the a/c system an test for leaks.

I've been looking mostly at used Yellow Jacket and Robinair gauges and eBay new $50.00 vacuum pumps.

I think you mean R12, not R22. What style fittings do you have? I believe R12 uses threaded fittings, and R134a uses fittings similar to air tools.

You're correct it's R12 I meant to write. The person selling the R12 equipment said I would need adapters for R134A.

Many of the professional gauge and hose set are titled as R-12, R-22 and R-502. Others are described as Refrigerant Used: R-404A - R-22 - R-410A while some are described for use with R-134a, R-12 and R-22.

Yellow Jacket does have a Series 41 2 Way Manifold Valve with 1/4″ Ports that's described as R-134a, 2-1/2″ gauges, Red/Blue, 72″ R,B Str. x Str. quick coupler and Y Str. x 1/2″ ACME 45° SealRight™ and premium couplers

https://yellowjacket.com/product/ser...with-14-ports/

So I'm assuming for some manifold and hose kits you need to find quick connect adapters for R-134A like from the pic below.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...5a628bf3a8.jpg

Conversion adapters from 1/4″ and 3/16″ threads to 1/2″ Acme. Also adapter to convert R-134a refrigerant tank fitting for low-side quick coupler to remove gas.

19161 1/4″ Female QC x 1/2″ Male Acme
19162 1/4″ Female hex x 1/2″ Male Acme
19165 1/2″ Female Acme QC x 1/4″ Male flare
19153 1/2″ Female Acme hex x 13 mm R-134a low-side Male
19185 Left hand ACME QC x 1/4″ Male Flare for R-1234yf Cylinders

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...797e89a629.jpg

Retrofit adapters

36211 1/4″ (7/16″ x 20) x 13mm, low side adapter, Individual
36212 1/4″ (7/16″ x 20) x 16mm, high side adapter, Individual
36252 Blue low side cap, Individual
36241 GM high flow type adapter w/core & cap adapter, Individual
36251 Red high side cap, Individual
36242 Socket for GM high flow type adapter, Individual
36221 1/4″ (7/16″ x 20) x 13mm, low side 90° adapter, Individual
36222 1/4″ (7/16″ x 20) X 16mm, high side 90° adapter, Individual
36223 3/16″ (3/8″ x 24) X 16mm, high side 90° adapter, Individual
36271 R-134a universal large bore core remover/installer
36270 Universal valve core remover/installer
36015 R-12 port repair reamer/threader
36265 R-134a reamer for service ports
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...bec24c5af3.jpg


Robinair manifold and hose set


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...3dc64f4354.jpg

R22 is what was in older residential and commercial HVAC units they never used it in vehicles. R12 is what they used before switching to r134 in the early 90s. Your 95 model is most likely r134.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...e9e9b2a8b2.jpg

Above pic is of Robinair gauges purchased from eBay seller

I was looking at my options to recharge. People suggested

1. purchase r-134a freon with gauge and charge "without" low and high port gauges and vacuum pump
2. purchase some r134a freon from auto parts store and some auto parts store will lend you gauges and pump
3. purchase a China combo kit with gauges, hoses and pump for ~$100.00 off eBay.
4. purchase Harbor Freight gauges and 2.5 cfm pump (cost approx. ~$160.00 )
5 purchase my own gauges with hoses, adapters and find a cheap pump from eBay.
6 Have an auto repair perform recharge. (cost around my areas is a min. of $100.00 hour labor)

After looking around and I went with option #5

Total cost with adapters came to $156.06 with tax and shipping

63.55 China vacuum pump 4 cfm 1/3 hp
49.02 Robinair guages and hoses (plus cut off valves) (see above pic of Robinair gauges)
14.28 r134a can / fill hose adapter (self sealing)
21.62 4 x 12 oz cans of r134a (self sealing)
7.59 r-134a quick connect adapters (low & high ports)

My 95 ZJ uses 32 oz of r134a and 7.75 oz of PAG oil

I could have gone with a ~$100.00 China combo kit but would rather have better quality gauges.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Combo-4CFM-...frcectupt=true

Total cost with r-134a Freon and r134a can adapter = $135.87