AC not working on a FJ62. Should I take it out?

[Herbert]

I have a FJ62. The truck has Air Condition, but at the moment it is not working. I guess it would have to be switched over to the newer refridgerant anyway. Air condition is not really important to me and I'm thinking of taking it out of the truck entirely as it just takes up space and adds weight.

Here my stupid newbie questions: Can any of the components used for something else? Like the compressor for inflating tires?
Or the condensor as a transmission cooler?

 

[Ming89FJ62]

Originally the A/C unit would use R12 refrigerant which is now deemed evil by the EPA (US). You could repair and recharge w/ R12 but it would be very expensive. A relatively easy "upgrade" would be to switch to R134 an environmentally "friendlier" refrigerant. To do this you would need to fix any existing leaks and replace the receiver and possibly a few seals. Quite a few suppliers have kits for just this retrofit.

http://www.sor.com/sor/cat053b.tam?xax=9595

is one source I'm sure that there are others - Cool Cruisers, MAF etc.

Harry

 

[import silvia]

The compressor can be used to create an air system. Search the web for info. Of course living in Tucson AZ your possition on AC is inconsivable...

 

[cbmontgo]

Keep your A/C, replace your o-rings and dryer, and get it charged with freeze 12 refrigerant. I did this last year, and it will retrofit into your R12 system no problem. It is also only about $ 8/lb, rather than the 134a swap or R12 at $ 60/lb.

My 60 blows ice cold and has for a lot of 100+ degree Dallas summer days. I highly recommend it. You need A/C.

 

[VETTE60]

I'm guessin' that ther are not a lot of 100 degree days in Nova Scotia.....
It probably wore out from lack of use...
on board air baby!!!!!!

 

[cbmontgo]

True, but if his compressor works (high $$ item), then it might not be a bad idea to just keep A/C. Resell might be something to keep in mind too.

I ain't skeered of on-board air though! That could be very cool.

 

[VETTE60]

yep, that is a definite plus for re-sale, but who would sell their cruiser?????

 

[roscoFJ73]

I had mine converted in Australia and it wasnt expensive,$160 AUD approximately.
It always looks better to a potential buyer if it has all the original equipment working.

 

[bigbrowndog]

I seriously doubt the compressor is worn out taking into account your locality. I would be more inclined to think the seals have gone hard and leaked the gas as the air con needs to be run at least once a month at a minimum. The hoses could have also been moved and caused the leak.When the gas level drops below a set level the the low pressure valve will shut the air con compressor off to avoid damage. Get it checked as it may be as simple as a leak.Is the compressor still running? It should get hot as the delivery hose gets cold and the return gets hot in normal operation. cheers gazza.

 

[60wag]

Its not worth the trouble to remove it. The weight saving would be negligable. If you don't want to fix it, don't worry about it - or take the belt off. Personally, I'd fix it.