cruiser aircon
- Thread starter cdub
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I cant confirm with you model - but most automotive companies made the change from 1993-1995 from R12 to 134A.
It depends on where you are.
In any case you only need to change the dryer I think to convert it to run on the newer gas
The main difference between refrigerants is the oil in the compressor and the expansion valve. r22 is a suitable replacement for r12 which doesn't exist here in oz anymore
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2006
- Threads
- 129
- Messages
- 849
- Location
- Southern California High Desert
- Website
- www.extremelandcruiser.com
R12 to R134A in 70 Series Landcruisers
Your 1988 is R12.
When we convert the R12 systems to run the newer R134A we change the service fittings (connectors used to fill the system) the expansion valve and the A/C dryer. You should evacuate the lines with A/C line cleaner and make sure to drain any old oil from the A/C compressor. You will need to fill the A/C compressor with the right oil used for R134A and than bolt the compressor back in. Make sure to replace the O rings on each component when putting the system back together. They are cheap and not worth the risk of leaks. Some suppliers will include the O rings with the expansion valve's and A/C dryers.
Even if you do the work of installing the parts yourself, make sure to take the rig to a shop that has the right machine to evacuate any old gas, clean the lines, pressurize the system for leaks, and refill. I wouldn't just dump new gas into the system without pressure testing it first. This saves you $$$ on lost gas in case leaks exist.
Also we have found that usually with the Toyota A/C systems that when the service machine shows low compression that it isn't always the compressor. Replace the above parts first, and if the A/C is still weak examine the fan on the condenser and than lastly the compressor. If at last it is the compressor, have the gas recovered by the service machine and swap out the compressor. Lastly have the service machine put the gas back in.
Hopefully this info helps you avoid costly service bills by handling the issues as much as possible on your own.
Your 1988 is R12.
When we convert the R12 systems to run the newer R134A we change the service fittings (connectors used to fill the system) the expansion valve and the A/C dryer. You should evacuate the lines with A/C line cleaner and make sure to drain any old oil from the A/C compressor. You will need to fill the A/C compressor with the right oil used for R134A and than bolt the compressor back in. Make sure to replace the O rings on each component when putting the system back together. They are cheap and not worth the risk of leaks. Some suppliers will include the O rings with the expansion valve's and A/C dryers.
Even if you do the work of installing the parts yourself, make sure to take the rig to a shop that has the right machine to evacuate any old gas, clean the lines, pressurize the system for leaks, and refill. I wouldn't just dump new gas into the system without pressure testing it first. This saves you $$$ on lost gas in case leaks exist.
Also we have found that usually with the Toyota A/C systems that when the service machine shows low compression that it isn't always the compressor. Replace the above parts first, and if the A/C is still weak examine the fan on the condenser and than lastly the compressor. If at last it is the compressor, have the gas recovered by the service machine and swap out the compressor. Lastly have the service machine put the gas back in.
Hopefully this info helps you avoid costly service bills by handling the issues as much as possible on your own.
I had it done in australia 7 years ago and it was under $200 total with all of what SocalFZJ80 mentioned.
The conversion will not get as cold as a new system purpose built for the new gas.I was told to expect it to be about 95% as good,which was about right.