A/C Manifold Gauge Sets

[JohnFordRanger]

My A/C is still working, but I'd like to retrofix it to R134A.

..so the system has R-12 in it now, so I'll need fitting for that?, along with fitting for the R134A?

I read through a couple of retrofix manuals and I don't see this covered.

I'm looking at a set at HF - "Complete diagnostic and service gauge set for use on air conditioning systems with R134A freon." 49.99.

Do I need to find a set that will service both R-12 and R134A?

 

[MAKG]

No. You can get retrofit fittings for the A/C system itself for about $5 apiece (there are two). I'd suggest replacing all the O-rings and pulling the original valve cores if the retrofit fittings have them (the low side almost always does, but the high side may or may not).

The HF R-134a set will fit directly on the R-134a fittings. It works fine.

You'll need a vacuum pump -- HF pumps are cheap but DO NOT WORK. You need an electrical pump, or else a 100% duty cycle air compressor and deaf neighbors. Robinair sells one that isn't too expensive (or you can find them used). If this isn't available, you'll need a shop to do the evac.

Always replace the receiver/drier and the orifice tube when the system is open.

But frankly, your system is still working. The best advice I can give is, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. What do you hope to gain from the retrofit now as opposed to later?

 

[JohnFordRanger]

Your right, I'm not touching anything, yet! I'm just hunting for info. 17 yr old truck if the A/C goes I'd like to do something about it. without paying someone else more then the truck is worth.
I like working on my own truck, so buying a few tools can be better then paying someone else.

I see a lot of Robinair products, are they the best?

I printed out your A/C 101 and read through it, thanks, that's good stuff.

...and the only reason I'm learning about A/C is because I went to have it checked and the MX said they could do R-12. I haven't looked around for anyone else, yet!

...so my plan is to learn what I can, check on the cost of tools and parts needed.

 

[JohnFordRanger]

A/C Manifold Gauge Sets and Vacuum pumps

any recommendations on manifold gauges and vacuum pumps?

 

[MAKG]

You don't need a really good vacuum pump. You need one that is electric and can be run continuously for hours, and can be adapted to your system. That's all.

Just about any set of standard gauges is fine.

I think you should wait until you actually have a problem. It's not unheard of for 30 year old A/C systems to still be working. And it's still cost effective NOT to retrofit for a leak alone.