Hey guys, I was just wondering if there is an easy way to retro-fit an A/C system to R-134A refigerant on an '87 Cherokee, 4.0L? The A/C doesn't work right now, system is empty so the compressor doesn't even turn on, but you can't find R-12 anywhere anymore and to get someone to fill it up with R-12 is very expensive, and will get more expensive if/when I find leaks after they have filled it.

Someone mentioned switching it over to 134A and filling with that to make it easier and cheaper and not such a waste once I find leaks in the system. I have heard of doing this before and thought it was just changing the schraeder valves in the system to accept the 134A, but I'm sure it's a little more involved.

Has anyone ever done this before? I would really like to do it myself rather than pay someone. Thanks.

Nope, it isn't too complicated. They sell the kit at wal-mart last time I was there.

Really Sunder, they sell it at Wal-Mart? Hmm I'll have to go over and take a look. What comes in the kit, replacement valves and directions, I guess? I already have gauges and 134A is easy to to get your hands on, all I really need is the parts and some direction on how to do the switch over. Is it really as simple as just switching the valves??

Is there anything in particular with this A/C system I should know about. It seems everytime I notice and older Jeep around, the windows are down, rather than up with A/C on. Is this a problematic system or does everyone else just not want to pay to get it fixed like me?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I bought mine about a year ago. It came with valves, adapters, gauges, and the refrigerant for about 40$??

I don't know if jeeps in genral leak, or it's just old cars develop leaks...

Sunder it is just any OLD vehicle.. A refrigerator can run for 20 or 30 years and never leak, but cars? Way too many joints and viberations.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Wow $40!! I was expecting to pay at least $100 to do it myself, and that's way cheaper than some shops charge. Do you get enough refigerant to fill the system? Do you need any special tools to switch the valves out?

A year ago it was 40$ for all the refrigerant I needed...

change the valve, change the oil, reinstall the refrigents, just remember 134 will not be as cold as 12

Thanks guys, I'll give it a shot this weekend.

Brownbag....I never ran it with the R-12, just got this thing about 6 months ago and the A/C never worked, so 134 is gonna be way better than the hot air it blows now. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

How do I go about getting rid of the old oil? Most of the 134 I've seen in the store has the oil in it, so I was just gonna re-charge the system with that, after changing valves, with the new oil in it, but I should be getting rid of the R-12 oil first? Is the old oil sitting in the accumulator, and can I just drain from there? Also do I need anything special to swap the valves out, tools I mean? Thanks.

The oil you ad will make little if any difference at all. Just put it in there and everything should be Ok.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />