AC unit, leave it or pull it?

[MassbayXJ]

I just completed my A/c system recovery and recycling test for school. Im in GM training (hence Massbay) and needed to complete this before even working on a/c systems. From what I learned, (still learning), these conversion kits are not that great. first, if you are fortunate enough to not have to replace every component, condenser, compressor, evaporator, lines, etc, you are only going to have about 70-80% efficiency with the hfc134-a refridgerant vs. the ozone depleting R-12. Second, the 134-a molecules are a fraction of the size of R-12, therefore, leaks form or become more apparant. Lastly, all those "miracle" 134a charging cans come with about a foot of hose on them . When you crack them open to release into the low side of an A/c system line, you release that much air as well. Air in the system is not good. Well at the very least, I would replace the accumulator (or reciever) dryer, orifice tube (do jeeps have one?) and ALL O-RINGS. remember, I'm just a student but feel free to quote me on this. It is straight from my ASE book and Master technician instructors.

 

[Hiaboo]

Hmm.. That's good to know about the 134... I'll ask around once more and see if anything turns up, if not, i'll probably be pulling the system or see if i can convert it first.. woo woo.

 

[Hiaboo]

I think I've decided to pull the AC unit assembly and replacing it with an dummy pulley. I'm having an local shop that a friend says is good. So, I'll call em up and ask. As for the remaining junk, as far as i know it works, it blows air, etc just not cold. so PM me if you want the shebang and I'll let you know when it's out and all that.

 

[aspera]

I'm dealing with the same problem. All on my HVAC junk is gone, except the A/C compressor. I'd like to ditch it, but the serpentine belt is a problem. I'm trying to remove it off of a '91 4.0L HO.

As a matter of fact I looked around the junkyard today at a bunch of XJs and ZJs. The newest XJ ('00?) that I looked at had a very different belt routing and different pulleys from the '91 and '95 that our family has. I can only imagine all of the variations if you include the RHD export models.

I haven't seen an idler pulley yet. Stupid engine! This should NOT be so difficult. A/C should always be on a separate belt.