Hello everyone, the AC on my '89 has been out for a while now and I finally decided to get around to fixing it. After replacing the compressor, which had a nasty leak, I also replaced the accumulator and evaporator core and the hose between the condenser and the evap core. It all came in the same kit so I figured why not. Only problem is, the captive nut on the condenser was pretty rusted and stripped out when installing the new hose, the only way I see to replace the nut is to replace the condenser as a whole... Anyone have any input on this, is there another way out of this situation or am I stuck looking for that new condenser? Any and all help is appreciated!

The truck in question is my '89 xlt lariat with the 4.9L. I don't imagine any other info is really necessary for this question but just let me know if there is some more info you need. Thanks!

 

Yes, there's a way to replace that nut, but it's not reliable.


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Neither is all that old R12 system. The best fix is to drop in a complete working '94-96 R134a system, including the outside HVAC box, and the hood latch support bar.


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Putting 134 into a 12 system is a waste of time & money - there are more differences than you can see.

 

Hi, I have a 1992 f150 with the 4.9 straight 6. It used to be my grandpas truck and i have a book that he wrote down records and service info. It says new air conditioning in his log book. He has since passed away, and i was wondering if there is an easy way to check to see if the ac has been switched already from r12 to r134a. It would be nice to know what im going to need to make it reliable and not have a bunch of leaks. Thanks for any help

 

Check the fittings where the A/C guage manifold hoses would connect to. If the fittings are for R12 it likely still has R12 in it. If it is functioning well leave it alone.

If it is not functioning well have a qualified A/C repairman replace all of the A/C parts with the same parts for a '94-'95 year truck.These are made for 134a refrigerant and will provide many years of trouble free cold air. Use quality parts or you will be wasting your money.

 

Slowbrick, I googled r12 ac fittings and it showed me the different fittings for r12 being threaded like a schrader valve on a tire, and the 134a being a quick disconnect type fitting like you would see on a male end of an air compressor hose, my truck has the quick disconnect type fittings, so i am assuming my grandpa had it converted in 2012 when he did the air conditioning work. His log book says he spent $985 on air conditioning. That explains why it was so expensive. Thank you for the quick reply. I will be leaving it alone until it doesn't blow cold anymore.