A/C repair & restoration options

[jackhild59]

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

Well after 22 years of providing ice-cold A/C, my '89T2 is having trouble cooling down the cabin. Just last week it was blowing ice cold air (better than my newer cars), but today it was blowing barely chilled air. Checked the sight glass per the FSM procedure, and I've got the bubbles showing, plus the low pressure side plumbing to the evaporator core is just slightly cooler than ambient temp (it should be ice cold when A/C is running). Compressor seems to be running fine; clutch engages, and it sounds normal as compared to how it used to sound when all was well.

This means I've lost some R12 freon, and there is most likely a leak to hunt down, fix and then properly recharge the system with R12. Since I don't have A/C service tools, looks like my options are limited to finding & bringing it to a competent shop - living without A/C is NOT an option. So here's my questions...

1. Anyone know of a reputable auto A/C shop in the northern MD/DE/PA tri-state region?

2. Fix the system & stick with R12, or bite the bullet and do the conversion to R134a? I think the R12 route makes better sense, despite the expensive cost of R12, since I've read you pretty much have to replace a good portion of the A/C system components if you switch over to R134a - true?

Makes me long for the good old days, when you can buy R12 for a few bucks a can anywhere without an EPA license and fix it yourself.

One other possibility is that your cooling fan clutch is beginning to fail. Don't neglect to check that out first.

Freeze12 is a perfectly fine replacement for R12, but you shouldn't mix it with the R12. Most shops won't work with Freeze12, so you will be on your own if you go this route. They will also encourage you to convert to R134a because they succeed with this most of the time. You will not be happy with the results. They will ultimately not be able to help you, consider that you are really on your own right now.

R134a is not a good replacement on our FC's because the FC does not have adequate condenser area. The conversion will work great if you add a larger *capacity* condenser. Other cars with large condensers would also make good candidates for conversion. Ted's Cressida falls in this category.

Before you do anything, you should find the leak. Use a soapy solution and a squirt-bottle to check all the connectors and rubber hoses. Look for bubbles.

If you don't find bubbles, you are probably just losing freon at the compressor shaft seal. Those seals leak some on all compressors, more as they age. That seal relies on oil to seal to the shaft as it rotates As the seal ages, it will leak more. One solution is to make sure to run the A/C at least weekly for 5-10 minutes to lube up that seal.

Don't take apart any connection that is not leaking just to replace the o-rings. Not necessary. If you do take a connection apart for any reason, do replace with the green oring.

Center vent temps at 50 mph, fan on high, set on recirc should be in the upper 38*/42* on a hot day-95*f+. R12 and Freeze12 can do this in the FC. R134a will likely be in the upper 40's lower 50's. This is a very big difference in capacity.


Good Luck!

-jack