How do you get the AC system to take 134 freon?
Asked by Guru937R2 Jul 29, 2017 at 11:01 AM about the 1989 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat Standard Cab LB
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I inherited a 1989 Ford Lariat in mint condition with 26,000 actual miles. However the AC will not work. Received lots of recommendations on what to do but no one knows for sure. Please advise as they no longer make the Freon R12. How do I go about getting the system to take 134 Freon.
9 Answers
I think you may have to retrofit your old system to R134...you have the old system in this 1989 car....and you're right, it's going to be very hard if not impossible to find the R12 for your vehicle. It will cost around $1,000 but, with only 26,000 miles. Probably worth it... what are your other options...buy a new truck? I don't think so... By the way, how do you know that there's 26,000 "actual miles"...?
Do a conversion, it is not all that difficult or expensive. Better yet have a professional do it for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__alchrw7CE
OKAY, you would be extremely lucky if it were just a few simple steps , BUT, hold on... You just inherited the vehicle, which means it may have been dormant for a few years? AC systems don't do well sitting around for a very long time, there's seals that can dry out and crack. SO, you may be looking at a new condenser and compressor along with high pressure hoses that have seals. When I said, about $1,000 for all this professionally done, what you are going to have is essentially a brand new HVAC system in your vehicle...and you will love it. You can fart around with some amateur mechanic on this, but, you're going to much better off taking it to your local professional who knows exactly what to do. Freon whether it's R12 or R134A is under very high pressure and you really don't want to fool around with this if you don't know what to do. My two cents.
Mark 152...I know the truck only has 26,000 miles because my Aunt bought it from Eury Ford in Marshall, NC brand spanking new. She only drove it around the farm and kept it in a garage. The truck has been in my family since its birth.
Thank you, I spent a good amount of money having the truck painted, sanded and coated the frame with rust resistant coating...They actually took the truck apart and sanded, coated the frame and painted the truck. The interior is in pristine condition. I had hoped to sell it at some point soon but this air conditioner situation is a problem...I haven't actually advertised it yet.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/retrofit.htm
R12 is not hard to find, just expensive. http://www.ebay.com/bhp/r12- refrigerant
Read this thread... https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index? qid=20080414105418AArNqOq
