1985 Econoline,,,,351,,,,Being retrofitted. Any idea how much Freon it takes? The sticker is gone and I would like to know even though I have gauges.

 

Think it was 56.00 oz. R12, 10 oz oil. But a retro to 134a will be less and should be checked and monitored during charge.

I just retro'd to Enviro Safe in my old Dart after a catastrophic compressors failure. Operates at much less pressure (better on the old tired system) and blows very cold.

 

google it but iirc when retrofitting, the r134a charge level should be 10% less than what the r12 was.

 

Thanks, I will keep a close eye on the gauges.

 

Didn't mention if you have single (front) A/C or dual A/C (front & rear). If front A/C only, Hayapower is correct at 56.00 oz. R12, 10 oz. oil. If dual, they it is 68.00 oz. R12, 13 oz. oil.

I would also recommend that the dryer/receiver be replaced. Your should pull a vacuum for at least one hour after reaching your maximum pull. I would recommend changing the high pressure cutoff switch to a R134a switch (one rated at 400#). Otherwise, you may experience cycling issues. When adding R-134a only fill to 85% of the R-12 capacity, watching the high side pressure carefully. Use a PAG oil with the R-134a.

 

Can't find a retrofit kit that will work on the fittings. The new fittings are too big. Any ideas?

 

If I understand you correctly, you will need a set of gauges specially for R134A since the fittings are larger to prevent accidental contamination. Usually the new fittings in a kit will adapt to the R12 fittings and go right over them. R12 gauges and hoses are no longer able to be used.

 

The retrofit kit that I bought says it fits all before 1994, but this ford has a smaller valve than normal apparently. The low side valve is almost as small as a tire valve. Still can't find the high side valve at all.

 

If it is any help, the line coming from the condenser in front of the radiator (you don't have a roof unit by any chance do you?)should go to an accumulator (receiver/dryer) and it is considered the high side., The high side fitting may be located on the accumulator. With R12 , it is the smaller of the two fittings. This brings up another point, your vehicle may have a Tecumseh compressor which was usually mounted vertically and the valves were on the compressor. Is this what you have?

 

The one I can find is about 1/4" . It is right behind the headlight on the driver's side. I assume it is the low one. It has something similar to a tire valve In the middle of it.