Hi all,

Well, it's finally getting warmer in VA and the AC isn't working as well as it has in past years. After some initial trouble-shooting, I'm thinking it may be low R12 level (sight glass looks a little "foamy" when AC is on; also, AC doesn't cycle off [never gets cool enough?]). Given the current cost of R12, the dealer recommended going with a 134 conversion.

I've converted our other 240s to R134 using Volvo kits, but don't know what steps to take with the Ford compressor. Has anyone out there converted their 5.0 to R134? Can I use the current compressor? How do I drain out the old oil? How much of the new oil do I use? I have the Volvo instructions and specifications so that ought to provide a rough estimate/starting point.

If it turns out that the compressor is the problem, do you recommend a rebuilt unit (instead of new)? Any good "brands"? (Moog, others?)

Any suggestions, BTDTs, appreciated . . . .

Thanks in advance!

Steve A-

I am about to undertake the exact same task with my V8 converted wagon here in Maryland.

You will at least need a qualified shop to recover the R12.

I imagine that we will need access to several "not in the box" connectors so i was not going to do my own recharge. I figure that I can pay someone else to check the system for leaks and get it converted and working properly than for me to do it and then have ot take it somewhere anyway :-)

My A/C system is in place but is empty and untested.

Let me know if you get any good information. I will do the same.

Thanks,
Ed

Check out www.aircondition.com/wwwboard/. You can ask any A/C ?'s there and get good answers.

Mine was converted a few years back by my brother's shop. They used a standard kit to replace fittings; replaced all the o'rings under the hood; and used a small charge of R134 oil that is compatible with the R12 oil. Then evacuated the system, and charged it up. Works pretty well - not quite as cold as it was before.

Thanks for the responses.

Sorry for the delay--out of the loop for a while. Took it up to the auto craft shop at Ft Eustis last Saturday and was able to borrow their UV lamp and goggles, etc. No dye at any of the hoses, nothing around the compressor, etc. We also used the "sniffer" and no R-12 leaks found. Hooked it up to the gauges and system pressure was a little low (can't remember which side) at around 20 psi (according to tech it should be 25-30). I'm going to try to top off the system (R-12 plus dye) and see what happens . . . .

Thanks again,

Steve A-

Given what you found, I think that's a wise approach.