Can I temporarily delete my a/c system?

[DamnYankee]

I am eventually going to change the system in my 88 Ranger over to R134. I will be changing out pretty much everything except the compressor. Can I remove the system for now and reinstall it when I am able to afford the new parts? It would make changing my valve cover gaskets much easier.

 

[RonD]

Yes, just plug the open pipes that are not removed, to prevent dirt, bugs and moisture from getting in.

You will also need a different fan belt if AC Compressor is not there, there may be an off the shelf belt available if your year and engine had a no AC model belt

 

[mikkelstuff]

From my experience (1975 Ranchero), I would not go to R-134a. I found the butane-propane based replacements such as Enviro-Safe and Duracool to work extremely well and they are compatible with the oil in your R12 compressor.

I was told that the oil in your R12 compressor is not compatible with R134a though I do know many seem to get by with it. I am told that R134a does not cool as well as the original R12 which was not the case with Enviro-Safe.

Be sure to pull an extended vacuum on your A/C system if it has been disconnected for some time.

 

[IIBRONCOS]

Mikkelstuff is right on with not going with R134a. I only use Duracool in my 1988 Bronco II and it performs as good or slightly better than the original R12. It also runs lower head pressure and has a lesser chance of leaks because the molecules are larger than other refrigerants. Check out the Duracool website.

Deepfreeze Refrigerants Inc. – Duracool Refrigerants – The Premium Hydrocarbon Refrigerant

www.duracool.com

 

[RangerFabWorks]

I 3rd not going to 134a. I retrofitted my 90 years ago. And it just doesn’t get as cold as the r12

 

[fastpakr]

Good luck getting any shop to touch your air conditioning system if you use anything else.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

There is no way to reclaim boutique refrigerants... IMO nothing wrong with R134A, we convert all the time at work.

 

[lvwill]

I converted to r134 years ago on my 92 and have had absolutely no problems at all. Just nice ice cold a/c in the desert waste land of Las Vegas.