87 r20 ac

[SandCrawler]

Just got into an 87 R20... Of course the ac doesn't work, blows but not cold. Is it worth making it work and is it even possible? At least for a reasonable cost?

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

If all the blower settings work, then probably all you'd have to do is check to see if it's been converted to R134a. If it has, see what amount you have to put in depending on whether it's an R12 or R134a compressor. If not, have it professionally evacuated and recharged and make sure they lubricate the compressor properly because they use two different lubricating solutions. I got it done by a local yoyo here for about ninety bucks.

 

[smoothandlow84]

....and replace the orfice tube and the accumulator while you're at it. Once the system has been opened, it is contaminated. Accumulators cost $15, orfice tubes... $5 at most Autozone or O'reilly outlets. It's cheap insurance while rebuilding the ac system. If the compressor is shot, they cost around $250 with a lifetime warranty as long as the accumulator and orifce tube has been replaced. Charge it, and check for leaks. Convert to r134a since the r12 is going to cost 5-6 times more than r134a. R12 works better, but its cost prohibitive not to mention hard to find anymore.

 

[SandCrawler]

Thanks

Appreciate the info!

 

[HotRodPC]

So you don't go spending or wasting money on small parts and freon, you can at least semi test the compressor to see if it's going to work being that's it's the most expensive part, you might decide not worth the expense.

Cross the low pressure switch on the passenger side near the accumulator. Turn the AC on. The Compressor clutch should engage, and the compressor should spin and possibly drop the idle a little bit. If it's spinning with the clutch engaged, and not screaching, grinding or smoking then there's a good chance the compressor is still good and probably worth trying to fix.

 

[SandCrawler]

Nice

Thanks

 

[SandCrawler]

I'm a total beginner but I'm fairly handy and am trying to gain as much knowledge as possible.