87 4Runner SR5 speed 4WD 22RE engine
Old R12 converted to 134a

Removed both lines from AC Condenser and poured in about 12 oz or so of the recommended flush A good amount of air is flushing out the other end but the liquid is coming out VERY, VERy slowly. At first only thick oily stuff but then more clear stuff I added but not nearly what I've put in. I flush for a minute or two then have stop for the compressor to catch up. I've been doing this for about an hour. I've never tried to flush a condenser before so is this normal?

Wondering does it matter which direction I flush from? Also there is a smaller condenser hooked in front of the main condenser and lines came from main condenser to smaller one and from there to the accumulator.

 

they don't flush easily, what is in the flush, I always just used denatured alchol but it take about 1 gal to get a good flush. try pumping it throug with a old electric fuel pump not compressed air.
Also don't for get to install a new accumulator before pulling your vac and refilling.

life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies

 

What I flushed with is Auto Air Conditioning Flush & Clean by Interdynamics, just picked it off the shelf at O'Reilly Auto. What's in it I don't know, I'm looking at the can but it doesn't have specifically what it is printed on it.

Here is what I've done yesterday afternoon. I removed the condenser and pre condenser and took them to a shop that works with auto AC. The owner said because of extreme age of this condenser and that it appeared whoever did the conversion to 134a didn't get all the old oil out they recommended I replace it with a new one but every where I tried (NAPA, Oreilly, Autozone, Bumper to Bumper & Advance) this condenser has been obsoleted. Finally I went to a radiator service shop that's been here for 3 generations and they found one in Little Rock, AR and I should have it maybe today but for sure Thursday. I stopped and picked up an accumulator and expansion valve.

NOW... here is my other problem. Is there a better way of getting the old stuff from the compressor than removing the compressor and just letting it drain?

 

Absolutely correct. R134a doesnt like R12 refrigerant oil, and vice/versa. It can easily turn to "Pancake Syrup" in a very short time....

As for the compressor......In a word....NO....Take it off, flip it over and walk away from it.....

Reinstallation will require new oil.... I believe it is suggested to use Ehster Based Oil.....as opposed to the PAG that the r134a uses in new installations. It is compatible with both systems, and will give you a Little bit of FUDGE FACTOR, for any remaining residue in the system......I did say a "LITTLE BIT" didnt I? It is still mandatory to remove as much of the old oil as possible.

 

One other thing. The shop I talked to also suggested instead of 134a I go with Freeze12 and it would cool more like the original R12 that was in it. Will the green orings I have for 134a work with Freeze12 if I go that way?

 

Ahhhh.....Good ole' FR12......

Just a personal opinion......But I wouldnt put that stuff near my car.....

There are only a handful of shops in a given area that will be willing to deal with it, and It really hasnt been proven and true.

If the retrofit is done properly, R134a is every bit as cold as R12, But it takes a minute or two longer to reach temp. If the vehicle is parked in the sun all day, dont expect INSTANT FREEZE, regardless of what you use for refrigerant.It just isnt gonna happen.