bgordon45

I purchased my current truck with a busted a/c - the previous owner remembered the a/c working but when I went to test it there was a squealing bearing sound and no cold air. I take it to be a damaged bearing on the clutch. I've been driving it disengaged without an a/c belt, but now it's getting too hot and I have a little bit of money to fix it.

So I'm wondering what I'm getting into. Can I replace just the clutch unit? My current thinking is to get a new compressor+clutch unit to drop in. I need to double check in the engine bay but I know it's all original parts. When did Toyota stop using R-12?

I'll need to evacuate the system, install a new compressor and fill the new system with refigerant. Anything else? What additional steps would a conversion from R12 to R134a bring on? Thanks!

Beaniam

you could try the envirosafe e12 stuff. I had some luck with that and it's supposedly compatible with r12 and the oil used in the old system

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Clutch/compressor, dryer and expansion valve can be had for under $350
replace and recharge

iamsuperbleeder

double check that idler pulley too

bgordon45

I replaced the idler pulley when I did the timing belt about 5k miles ago (unless that's a different idler pulley). From what I've read ackits.com is a good place to go for parts. Any other suggestions?

I checked and my system was running R-12 so I'll have to convert. Thanks.

bgordon45

Alright folks - I've been working on this thing for a while and it's making me a bit grumpy.

I evacuated the R-12 out of the system and took off the old compressor. I switched over the manifold (hi/low ports and connections) to the new compressor and purchased some R134a retrofit ports. Took out the old valve cores and put them on. The R134a low side service port interferes with the timing belt tensioner (on a 3VZE). I bought a right angle service port which still interferes with the timing belt tensioner. It's close and I might be able to grind it down to fit. But I'm also wondering - are these even necessary. The hi port is completely inaccessible unless you were to take the compressor of the engine block. There are also the two in-line service ports near the firewall/bulkhead.

I'm just trying to get things in place so I can take it in for a flush/vacuum/charge. Thanks.