'91 FJ80 AC Recharge (R12)

[Golgo13]

are you sure it hasn't been converted yet? I believe mine received a sticker that it was converted already.
Also, you can/should check with your dealer to do the conversion; it might be free?
send me a PM with your VIN and I can see if it was already done at a dealer

 

[krs2fur]

are you sure it hasn't been converted yet? I believe mine received a sticker that it was converted already.
Also, you can/should check with your dealer to do the conversion; it might be free?
send me a PM with your VIN and I can see if it was already done at a dealer

You can EASILY see if it's been converted by looking at the High & Low side connections. (Well if someone with half a brain did it anyway. I suppose it's possible that someone could have converted it then removed the conversion fittings)

Anyway, if it has screw on fittings (like a valve stem, only much larger) it's R12; if it has quick disconnect fittings it's R134A

http://www.aa1car.com/library/ac_service_fittings.gif

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads8/valves1151756088.jpg

 

[Glide77]

Sorry to ask you a question that doesn't have anything to do with your ac, but I was wondering. Does your fj80 get really hot undnerneath your driver side floor panel. Not sure if it's the cat that's causing it, but it did pass smog. Plus I notice when it gets to hot my stereo fuse pops every time.

I've searched and read every thread dealing with to convert (R134a) or not to convert. There's several folks in the area with R12 for sale on CL, figured it's easier to keep using that than it is to convert...for now.

View attachment 1499120

I'd guess that my 91's AC system is completely original, it still works OK when on the HWY, doesn't keep up around town, and there's clearly fluid in the viewing window. I really don't care about AC, but, the wife most definitely does. Need to keep my hot wife cool so we can take the FJ80 instead of her '17 Heep Grand Cherokee...

It seems shops don't want to mess with R12, so it looks like it's up to me to recharge myself. I figure that if the system still works and still has refrigerant after 26yrs and 210,000 miles, I'll just add more and be good for awhile longer.

What's the process for an R12 recharge? What's needed to fill 'er up and make sure it's not overfilled? Is there really a better, easier, cheaper way to convert to R134a? Or is my master plan sound?

I've searched and read every thread dealing with to convert (R134a) or not to convert. There's several folks in the area with R12 for sale on CL, figured it's easier to keep using that than it is to convert...for now.

View attachment 1499120

I'd guess that my 91's AC system is completely original, it still works OK when on the HWY, doesn't keep up around town, and there's clearly fluid in the viewing window. I really don't care about AC, but, the wife most definitely does. Need to keep my hot wife cool so we can take the FJ80 instead of her '17 Heep Grand Cherokee...

It seems shops don't want to mess with R12, so it looks like it's up to me to recharge myself. I figure that if the system still works and still has refrigerant after 26yrs and 210,000 miles, I'll just add more and be good for awhile longer.

What's the process for an R12 recharge? What's needed to fill 'er up and make sure it's not overfilled? Is there really a better, easier, cheaper way to convert to R134a? Or is my master plan sound?

 

[krs2fur]

Sorry to ask you a question that doesn't have anything to do with your ac, but I was wondering. Does your fj80 get really hot undnerneath your driver side floor panel. Not sure if it's the cat that's causing it, but it did pass smog. Plus I notice when it gets to hot my stereo fuse pops every time.

If it's a 91/92, then yes it's the cat's causing the almost unbearable heat; since they're right underneath your feet. However, I've also read about a significant amount of heat being generated by the transmission.

 

[goranvolvo]

there is no way i would go to R134a the R12 makes my fj80 like fridge inside , R134a will not cool good as r12

 

[USA4thewin]

there is no way i would go to R134a the R12 makes my fj80 like fridge inside , R134a will not cool good as r12

I am in the process to fix up the AC system, new Compressor and drier unit. I think I have an air flow problem atm because it only seems to cool when I am driving and heats up again when idle.

full system check is the best way I guess

 

[krs2fur]

I am in the process to fix up the AC system, new Compressor and drier unit. I think I have an air flow problem atm because it only seems to cool when I am driving and heats up again when idle.

full system check is the best way I guess

Likely a faulty fan clutch; but could also be a plugged up radiator, or failing water pump. Do you have any other cooling system issues?

 

[BDA130]

Hey all,

My 91 HDJ81 A/C sprung a leak (bad seal) on what I believe is the outflow into the radiator (left side if you're facing the radiator). I have been waiting for new O-rings and the system has been un-pressurized for several days. Seems like now is a good time to convert to R134? Or is it just as easy to replace the bad O-ring with an Ebay R12...What would you do? Are there any differences from the JDM aircon vs. the FJ80? I have the Repair Manual that doesn't have much info...I'm trying to track down the Service Manual.

Edit: FYI my 80 also as the center console fridge/freezer.

 

[krs2fur]

Not sure if there are any differences in the HDJ vs FJ models, but I sourced a complete o-ring kit for the A/C system through my local O'Reilly auto parts, and it was even an IN STOCK item.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ol-a-c-system-o-ring-gasket-kit/26750/4516799

 

[Lumpskie]

@BDA130
I'm running 134 on my 1HDT, that originally had R12. Feels nice and cold to me and cost just over $200 for the conversion and refill at a local shop.

 

[BDA130]

@BDA130
I'm running 134 on my 1HDT, that originally had R12. Feels nice and cold to me and cost just over $200 for the conversion and refill at a local shop.

Good to know thanks! I'll likely make the swap when I can get up to Albuquerque.

 

[FJ8O]

This thread is nearly two years old - any newer/different cost effective approaches to recharging an R12 setup on a 1992?

 

[jonheld]

This thread is nearly two years old - any newer/different cost effective approaches to recharging an R12 setup on a 1992?

What worked really well for me in the past was a product called Freeze12. It is essentially a Freon substitute that is compatible with R12 systems. It would freeze my left hand on the steering wheel if that vent was blowing directly on it.

 

[krs2fur]

Check your local classified advertisements (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, newspaper, etc) and often you can find some old car guy who has a collection of the R12 cans. Get yourself some of those & a few basic tools (the gauge set can often be found in a local pawn shop, if you don't know anyone with an R12 set)

My local hotrod A/C shop wanted $1800 minimum to service & recharge the R12 system. I can get a LOT of 12 oz cans for $1800 (which is what I did).

 

[SteveH]

There is R12 available on Craigslist in most places. I added 1 can to my FJ62 and it took the center vent temps from 65 to 44 (or less). It took years for the system to lose 1 can (12 oz) of refrigerant, so I expect it will last for many more years. I see no value in converting to R134a until there's a big system failure or another driving force.

 

[TonyP]

You can buy legit new-old-stock R12 on ebay. I've done it a few times for my old BMWs.
You'll need to evac the system (rent a vac pump at AutoZone).
Make sure it holds a vaccum.
Use R12 A/C gauge set, hoses and can popper to start dumping R12 in, per the FSM.
Enjoy your A/C.
I'm actually getting read to do this again with my '88 535is in time for summer.

Edit: This is all assuming you're a certified A/C tech... Since only they are suppose to purchase and use R12....

 

[Marco Lau]

You can buy legit new-old-stock R12 on ebay. I've done it a few times for my old BMWs.
You'll need to evac the system (rent a vac pump at AutoZone).
Make sure it holds a vaccum.
Use R12 A/C gauge set, hoses and can popper to start dumping R12 in, per the FSM.
Enjoy your A/C.
I'm actually getting read to do this again with my '88 535is in time for summer.

sweet, i love my e28 535is. that 3.5L inline six is SMOOOOTHHH.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

I decided to replace the o rings and do a pressure test on the ac on my 91 when I got it. It held a vacuum fine for a week so I filled it with r12 that a local shop had horded. My ac is nice and cold and has been going strong for 4 years. I would recommend keeping the ac systems r12 if at all possible. It is my understanding that if you want to convert to r134 you would have to change all the components if the system or risk having one fail because of the different gas and oils and such.

 

[82much]

$1800!?!? To replace hoses and recharge? That's crazy, a local shop converted me over to 134 for $200.

I also converted 2 years ago and cost me about the same. It sounds like the shop wants to change your whole A/C system out.
From what I understood it was only a complete A/C flush and changed out the adapter to load up the R134.

 

[flintknapper]

You can buy legit new-old-stock R12 on ebay. I've done it a few times for my old BMWs.
Edit: This is all assuming you're a certified A/C tech... Since only they are suppose to purchase and use R12....

Yes, R12 is still readily available on Ebay. I've even got 2-3 cans of NOS laying around my shop at home if anyone can't source it elsewhere.