Troubleshooting AC system

[Matt Sierra]

The AC on my 1995 HZJ75 isn’t working. The compressor clutch is not engaging and it seems like the refrigerant is low. Unfortunately it’s an R12 system and it’s not clear if there’s a leak. Shops in my area generally won’t touch R12, so I’m at a bit of troubleshooting fork in the road.

Do folks in the US generally convert their R12 systems to R134? At this point I don’t know if any of the components are bad or leaking, so I’m not sure how involved the repair would be even if I try to stick with R12. From my very rudimentary understanding of AC systems it’s hard to do much troubleshooting without charging the system.

Thanks!
Matt

 

[jblueridge]

I was lucky to quickly find a shop that had a stash of R12. They plumbed a new condenser and refilled the system. In theory, the newer refrigerant will not work as well as R12 if the older condensor is used. I don’t know how much of a difference it makes in real life.

 

[Matt Sierra]

I was lucky to quickly find a shop that had a stash of R12. They plumbed a new condenser and refilled the system. In theory, the newer refrigerant will not work as well as R12 if the older condensor is used. I don’t know how much of a difference it makes in real life.

That sounds like what I need to find. Unfortunately I suspect your shop is a few thousand miles away from me.

 

[OGBeno]

Any reputable AC shop should be able to diagnose and present solutions for any AC system issues regardless of the fluid type in the system. The fluid is just a fluid and these AC systems are very easily diagnosed by experienced shops.

Find a reputable AC shop and have them diagnose the issues.

Obviously, you might have to travel if you are in the boonies.

The body FSM for the 7x series of vehicles from this time period had a very in-depth AC system breakdown. It’s in the Resources section of MUD.

And yes charging the system to find issues is a part of the process.

 

[Matt Sierra]

Any reputable AC shop should be able to diagnose and present solutions for any AC system issues regardless of the fluid type in the system. The fluid is just a fluid and these AC systems are very easily diagnosed by experienced shops.

Find a reputable AC shop and have them diagnose the issues.

Obviously, you might have to travel if you are in the boonies.

The body FSM for the 7x series of vehicles from this time period had a very in-depth AC system breakdown. It’s in the Resources section of MUD.

And yes charging the system to find issues is a part of the process.

Thanks, I just reviewed the FSM and the troubleshooting procedures look straightforward. AC systems have never been something I felt comfortable with, but that’s not surprising given that I don’t have any experience with them or anything beyond very basic knowledge about them.

I don’t have access to any AC equipment, so now it’s just a matter of tracking down a reputable AC shop.

Appreciate the guidance!

 

[jblueridge]

Unfortunately I suspect your shop is a few thousand miles away from me.

Worse, the genius Tech passed away and the business went too.
But, maybe you will get lucky if you widen your search.