Factory AC Orifice Tube and which oil to use

[Rembrant]

Gentlemen,

I'm getting pretty close to having all of the required factory AC parts for the my truck. I've been going through parts diagrams and listings, etc and I noticed on LMC's page that there are two different orifice tubes (Red, and Blue). So blue for 1980-1996, and red for 1987-1996. What is the difference between the two tubes/orifices?



Is 134a the refrigerant of choice these days? The trucks originally had R12 correct?

Final question is the oil. What brand/type oil will be required if starting with a clean/new/dry system?

[1986F150Six]

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1042754-a-c-conversion-r12-to-r134.html

See if this helps, Cory.

[Rembrant]

1986F150Six wrote

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1042754-a-c-conversion-r12-to-r134.html

See if this helps, Cory.

Yes, sure does. So Blue for R12, and then red for 134 w/regular cab. (And orange for super cab w/134).

And the pressure switch is adjustable. Good to know.

Just need to know what oil then I guess.

[Gary Lewis]

Well done, David!  

FYI, the guy that knows what he's talking about in there, Matt/Archion, is related to someone on here.  His last name is Vose, and is the son of none other than Bill/85lebaront2.

Janey and I met Matt when we drove Dad's truck back to Delawhere to deliver furniture - before I pulled it down for the restification.  I had a spare engine analyzer and Bill had a spare DS-II test kit, so we swapped via Matt.

[Gsmblue]

This is super helpful!  I have a bunch of questions, if this is the wrong place please let me know!

I ordered a R12-R134a conversion kit for the Bronco. It looks like I have everything in place that should work.

https://www.sherco-auto.com/1980-to-current-ford-cars-pick-ups-and-vans-single-application-97-coverage-retrofit-kits-each.html

I have a compressor pulled from the breakers so I don't if that works but will install it.

Should I replace the accumulator as it has not been used forever?

Any recommendations about what else may need to be replaced/checked?

Any recommendation on if the system needs to be flushed and if so how?

Can I charge the system at home myself? - I understand this will require some tools I don't have yet..

[grumpin]

Cory, IIRC I used the oil recommended by the compressor manufacturer.

GSMBlue, I would replace the accumulator.

I cleaned mine out with isopropyl alcohol and compressed air.

I would replace the o-rings.

You’ll need R134 adapters if you don’t have them already.

I do mine at home. Gauges from HFT, I put a valve on the yellow service port.

You can use a bucket of warm, not hot water to help get the refrigerant in.

I’ve found that if you put the right amount (pounds) in, the pressure should be in the range.

Edit: Thanks David, good stuff! Thanks Bill, you had something to do with that!

[Gsmblue]

grumpin - Thanks!

isopropyl and compressed air - check!
new o-rings - check!
R134 adapters - check!
HFT gauges - I know where to get them - check!

Is this the right accumulator??
https://www.amazon.com/Four-Seasons-33189-Accumulator/dp/B000CNMXTQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Four+Seasons+33189+Accumulator&qid=1584550700&sr=8-1

gonna chance this old compressor from the scrap yard... need to install ( I think I have the bracket) and get a belt...

so exciting :)

[Gsmblue]

$35 from the breakers! The AC compressor, accumulator, the 2 hoses i need and the front mounting bracket!!

And a battery tray for good measure!

Did someone need the accumulator mounting rings? I grabbed those just in case.

[Gary Lewis]

Well done!

Yes, someone was looking for those.  Cory?

[Rembrant]

Gsmblue wrote

Did someone need the accumulator mounting rings? I grabbed those just in case.

Gary Lewis wrote

Yes, someone was looking for those.  Cory?

Yes that was me, but I actually just got a set of them a week or so ago from an '83 that I got all of the lines from. Thanks for looking out for me though!!

[Gsmblue]

Glad you got what you need!

[1986F150Six]

This forum is a family looking out for each other!

[Gsmblue]

Absolutely agree. This is a wonderful community. I am more of a leech than a facilitator but I do try where I can!

[FuzzFace2]

Gsmblue wrote

$35 from the breakers! The AC compressor, accumulator, the 2 hoses i need and the front mounting bracket!!

And a battery tray for good measure!

Did someone need the accumulator mounting rings? I grabbed those just in case.

On the accumulator get a new one don't use the used one.
Also before you charge the system you need to pull a vacuum on the system and it should hold for 30 min. or longer.
If it holds then you can charge the system.
Dave ----

[grumpin]

Great point Dave! I just assumed it was known.

I do know what assume means too!

[Gsmblue]

Thanks Dave!

I have a new accumulator on its way. Today I picked up a manifold and vacuum pump from harbor freight.

Then went to the local auto parts store and got the 12oz cans of r1234-a

[grumpin]

I have this 2.5 CFM. And I’m happy with it.

[6.9-250]

Installed new compressor, orifice tube (blue), condenser, o-rings and drier from Rock Auto.

FOUR SEASONS TSN0322

I believe the oil was Pag 46 and used R 134a refrigerant.  

It is good practice to replace the drier any time the system is opened to atmosphere.  Moisture can reduce the system performance significantly.  

Pull vacuum for a few minutes then close valves and turn pump off.  If the vacuum holds then continue to pull for another 30 minutes.