FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Air Condition

    • 1 of 1

       

    8/28/2020 8:41 AM  #1

    rap
    FYI FORD Member

    Offline

    Registered: 5/15/2013
    Posts: 25

    Air Condition

    I put in a new air condition system about 10 years ago in my 64 1/2 Mustang, R12, which was original when new. Although the new unit was a bit noisy it did cool some for a unit located under the dash. After several years it stopped blowing cold air. I didn’t know if the coolant leaked out or something else was wrong. Anyway, After 5 years I took it to a garage that does service on all my cars because the owner has a couple classics. They only do new air conditioner stuff and were not aware of a substitute for the R12 and to re[place the fittings and the compressor it would be cheaper to buy a new unit in the range of 1 to 1.5 K. I previously purchased a substitute /replacement cans for the R12 that you could simply replace the charge and your were good to go. The garage said they never heard of this but if I had it, it would be best for me to try it to see if it worked before I spend a lot of money installing a new unit. Now the problem. I know the cans are in my garage somewhere (garage just gone through water proofing so things are all bunched together). I don’t have a clue what I need to get the fluid from the cans into my air condition unit and I know there is a high pressure and low pressure lines which concern me as well as checking for leaks. I know nothing about the air condition system so if you can help, please keep this in mind.Thanks a bunch.Randy

     

    8/28/2020 9:26 AM  #2

    BillyC
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    From: Chesapeake, Va.
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 966

    Re: Air Condition

    On the older systems there is an access valve aka schrader valve, located on the low side of the unit. There seldom is one on the high side. To charge the system you will need a set of refrigeration gauges. These can be rented from places like Auto Zone. Once you’ve located the access valve connect the charging hose, yellow hose to the valve and the blue hose, low pressure gauge, to the can. Start the car and turn on the a/c. Slowly add refrigerant while closely monitoring the discharge air temp. You want to shoot for a temp under 50. A note about gauges. Parts stores used to sell a charging kit that included a hose for charging if gauges aren’t obtainable.

    "anyone that stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty"Henry Ford
     

    8/28/2020 10:19 AM  #3

    Rufus68
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    From: Knoxville, TN
    Registered: 4/26/2017
    Posts: 892

    Re: Air Condition

    Maybe his will help
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6d3oNRbIyQ

    1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
     

    8/28/2020 8:22 PM  #4

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,855

    Re: Air Condition

    I think you should replace your dryer(silver can looking thing) when switching to 134R.
    Some folks recommend pulling a vacuum on the system and see IF it will hold a vacuum and not leak first.
    The 134R will cool but..........not as well as the R-12.  This is why the 134R systems usually have a larger evaporator.
    Still cheaper than 1500 dollars though!
    6sally6

    Welcome to the best Mustang board on the net.
    Where y'all from?

    Last edited by 6sally6 (8/29/2020 5:14 PM)

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    8/29/2020 7:15 AM  #5

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,652

    Re: Air Condition

    Suggest that you check for leaks in the system.  I believe a dye is still sold for this purpose and should be available at any parts store.  When I switched from R-12 to R-134 in my 86 Bronco years ago, the system did not cool as well as with the R-12, but was cool enough to get by.
    This was in the mid-90s and R-12 refrigerant was extremely expensive.

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    8/29/2020 10:03 AM  #6

    rap
    FYI FORD Member

    Offline

    Registered: 5/15/2013
    Posts: 25

    Re: Air Condition

    Thank you all for replying. I installed the AC years ago and took it to a shop to charge the system. I'm sure I have R-134 in my garage somewhere. I know nothing about AC and don't have a clue how to get the R-134 into the system. From the little I have heard over time is there is a high pressure side and that is one concern. Any, I have included pics. If someone could inform me of what I do where, I would appreciate it.
    Thanks again!

       •Thread Starter
     

    8/29/2020 5:47 PM  #7

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,267

    Re: Air Condition

    On your Sanden compressor, one port is marked D or Di forr discharge port, meaning the high pressure side.
    The other port is marked S for suction, being the low pressure side. You really need to pull a vacuum on it before wasting ANY freon that might just leak into the atmosphere when installed.  You need to see if it will maintain vacuum for at least an hour before proceeding.  And even the fact it holds vacuum is not a 100% guarantee it will hold pressure or make cold air   

    Any freon will go into the S side of the compressor.

    Good luck finding rental R12 gauges other than used.

    If no vacuum pump and 3-hose gauge set available, it is a shot in the dark whether adding any R-12 or R-12 replacement like Freeze12 will do you any good.

    Don’t let this scare you off.  It is a very simple system and we can walk you through the repairs and charging To get cold air.  YouTube helps, too!   

    Safety glasses always required

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    8/29/2020 9:53 PM  #8

    Nos681
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
    Registered: 7/14/2016
    Posts: 3,336

    Re: Air Condition

    Look on eBay, they still sell gauge kits that cover R12, R22, etc that still use schrader valve connection and have the R134 quick connect adapters.

     

     

    1 of 1

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  »  Air Condition

    • Board footera


    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.