Cooling system considerations when converting to R-134A

[Giraffe]

I know a lot of people here have converted to R-134A. To you I ask, have you run into cooling issues with running the newer type of refrigerant?

I seem to recall some suggesting that an electric cooling fan is essential if converting to R-134A. Any truth to this? I would like to upgrade my cooling system, but I don't know if it would really be worth it. I don't use my car for towing or anything heavy duty. I mostly just do highway driving to and from work. I recently replaced my fan clutch which seems to have cured my cooling issues. The system still needs a really good flush.

Would a stock cooling system be up to the task with a R-134A conversion? I plan to replace all the AC components by the end of the year and would like to have the AC working for next summer.

[VicCrownVic]

My '89 was running R-134A with stock everything without a problem, but I'm also in MI where it probably doesn't get as hot as in TX (or at least not for as much of the year as in TX).

[DerekTheGreat]

My '88 and Ashley's old '89 are running 134a without issue.. It was 95 this past Sunday or so and the Auto feature was able to keep the car cool using low to medium fan speeds. Will freeze your face off if requested. I also have expensive ceramic tint and it helps loads with repelling the solar heat. Also, Ashley's car once had R-12 and I noticed no difference after she had it converted.

[adam.w.ackerman]

My converted '89 will freeze you out, i need to put a good gauge in but so far I don't think there is any extra load on the engine cooling system.

[sly]

Electric fan is a great help in stop and go traffic as the efficiency of the mechanical fan at idle is not very good for AC. Newer condenser may solve that though.

[GM_Guy]

My box was an ex-Florida car with an r134 conversion done down there, it could probably make icicles. If you got cooling problems, probably just need to put in a new fan clutch.

Alex.

[gadget73]

nope, no issues. If it overheats, its probably the fan clutch and/or radiator. Start with the clutch, that will make the AC suffer too.

[Kodachrome Wolf]

The '87 is R134a. Stays nice and frosty on the coldest setting. An electric fan similar to the later Aeros may help at low speed or while sitting, but for the most part if the system is in good order everything should work just fine without extra help.

[longroof87]

Cooling system considerations when converting to R-134A

Since I had all engine coolant leaks fixed, only if I switch off "Max A/C" the air gets slightly warmer but not warm enough to be abnormal. I still have the clutch fan, too. It was converted before I took ownership of my CP. staying on Max AC is nice and cool even in traffic.

Since this happened in my '93 F150 Flareside after the AC was fixed, I figure this is normal without electric fan.

[Rodentkiller]

If you live in a state where your water is full of minerals you will have a clogged radiator, you can get a 4 core radiator from Summit racing along with a fan clutch. Good luck.

[TecNickal]

My 89 and 90 have a few new hoses or maybe an evaporator core. Otherwise original condensers as well as compressor with R134a. Fan clutches are working fine. As my friend says "you could hang meat in here!" - electric fan is not needed if system is in proper shape - meaning good fan clutch and good flow across radiator, condenser and Evap core with no leaks.

And I live in the oven of the south with humidity - somewhat similar to Texas

[Giraffe]

Thanks, everyone. Sounds like I'm set.

To clarify, I was having cooling issues until I replaced my fan clutch a couple weeks ago. That also seems to have really helped my fuel mileage. I seem to remember reading somewhere that cooling issues can affect fuel mileage, so that makes sense.

Sounds like I just need to get a flush done and install new AC components and I'll be good.