My A/C compressor went out the other day so I'm looking to replace it and do an R134 conversion. I've searched posts and found bits and pieces for the project. Does anyone have a write up on the project? Thanks.

I can't help you with a write-up but I did convert mine a few years back. If your replacing the compressor you need to flush the system, and replace the dryer, then pull a good vacuum and check for leaks. You need some high/low side 134A screw on adapters. Then fill with the correct amount and type of oil and 134A and away you go. Mine works great as long as I'm moving. As soon as I'm in traffic, it warms up quite a bit.....Good luck.....

Thanks! What did you use to flush it? I read one post who used acetone, but I haven't seen that stuff for sale in a while.

as an altenative to 134, does that r12 replacement stuff work any better? hot a/c in traffic no estas bien.
didnt mean to hijack...

Mine too <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I'm wondering if adding an electric fan in front of the condensor would help. My black 4-runner gets hot quick if I'm not movin'...

As for the conversion, it's pretty easy. Make sure you swap out the expansion valve along with the drier (www.ackits.com has good stuff, should run you about $50 for both). Expansion valve is easy on these trucks, it's in the evaporator housing under the glovebox and pretty much drops right out after removing some bolts and the lines on the firewall.

I wouldn't recommend flushing the evap or condensor, most of you debris is going to be in the drier or exp valve anyways and it's REALLY hard to get them completely flushed. If you're worried about contamination just replace them or take them to a shop with flushing equipment. Just clean your lines, add 7oz or so of oil (I used ester) to the compressor, pull vacuum for an hour or so (autozone loans out pumps for free) and charge 'er up. Just don't do what I did and put the conversion fittings on the wrong side <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Luckily I didn't fry my compressor...

Oh ya, and if you want a good deal on a compressor PM me, there's an outfit on everyone's favorite auction site with great prices ($100 for my 4-Runner) and excellent quality. I've bought 2 compressors from them and they work great.

Hope that helps!

The stuff(MaxiFrig) I am running works far better in slow/stoped traffic than the R134 conversion in my black X-cab.

Look here Maxifrig for a comparison between MaxiFrig and R12.

make sure you read the warranty for you new compressor, mine came with a caveat that I MUST replace the drier and expansion valve for the warranty on the compressor to be valid. there's a guy on ebay selling rebuilt compressors for $125, with the clutch.

Used something like this. Flush Kit
I wanted to get all the old oil out. I didn't want to use anything that would attack the "O" rings.

I 2nd pulling the evaporator and replacing the expansion valve. Not only was my valve bad, but the evaporator was about 80% clogged with crud. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> It flows as much air on low as it did before on high. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

i would rather not blow up ..lol i seen videos where ther ewas a leak into the passenger compartment ,and a "test " was conducted with replacement refrigerants amd let ssay i'd rather have sack cancer than the roof of my truck blow off and me get killed. plus if you get in an accident and for somereason the system is opened ther eis propaine right in the engine compartment with the possibility of a spark ..no thanks.