brian.243

I picked up a 94 4runner 3.0 5 speed 4x4 yesterday and it runs well but the ac does not work so i tried charging it and found a leak in the liquid line so i got one from pick a part and installed and found another leak in another line and will be replacing that one tomorrow my question is what do i need to replace or check and will need to take it some where to have it charged because the compressor will not kick in and does any one know how to check if the compressor is any good by the way it is factory r 134 system and when i push the ac buttom on dash the light comes on does that mean the fuses are ok and does any one know a good website that sells ac hoses and lines and has pictures all the local auto shops say they cant get new lines for me the ones on there computers do not look like mine thank you for your time by the way this is my first 4 runner and cant wait to get to use it it is going to be my weekend fun truck but it is hot in so cal desert wife andkids wont go with me until ac works or it gets cold

Jay351

Tip one: Use periods and proper sentence structure. That jumble of words is pretty tough to comprehend...

tip two: Factory uses r12 (now illegal), so you will have to find somebody who can charge it with r12 or convert it to r134a

The compresser won't kick on if the pressure is too low, its a failsafe

brian.243

Sorry about my grammar. I was un aware I would be graded on my essay. 1994 was the first year the factory installed a R-134 system in their vehicles, that is why some are R-12 and some are R-134. I know the compressor will not kick on when the pressure is to low, IE a leak/ replaced line. Is there any way i can by pass the failsafe to allow me to refill the unit. After i fix all the leaks.

Jay351

Don't be a dick. You came on here asking for help, we are more than willing to help you out but its a little difficult if we can't understand what you are saying.

xzyragon

i agree with jay... that does appear to be a huge wall of text.

who needs an AC anyway? as long as you have the windows down and the radio blasting, you can drive from CA to TX and back with no problem, though Tuscon can push 110 degrees...

Jay351

you shouldnt have to bypass anything to refill it once you have fixed your leaks.

As for replacment parts, used is probibly your best bet. New wouldn't be really cost feasable...

abecedarian

Tucson pushing 110? I've seen 117 in Phoenix in October so I know it gets around that hot down there too.

You should be able to order the hoses. Even if the hoses don't look like yours there may be a possibility that they will fit but may require some modification to the routing. Otherwise, you should be able to have the hoses made at a good shop.

As for charging after fixing the leaks- don't do it. Have the system flushed, then install a a new accumulator / receiver / drier and have the system evacuated immediately afterward, then put the proper oil in the system and then recharge. Air in the system will reduce the amount of refrigerant you can carry, reducing the effectiveness of the system.

brian.243

thank you abecedarian that is what i needed to know.

TNRabbit

I have a 94 pickup and it has what looks like a factry R135a sticker on the radiator support when you pop the hood.....did some of the 94's come with R134a?

brian.243

They did it was the first year for R134 in the 4runner. Not all 94 are R134 some are R12.

jmoore9982

Does everything past 94 have the R134 in it?

jrohland

Moisture in the system will kill it. You NEED to do five things:

Fix the leaks.
Replace the dryer with a NEW one. (About $35.)
Evacuate the system. See if you can rent an AC vacuum pump.
Charge the system with one can of R134A refrigeration oil.
Charge with R134A until the site glass on top of the dryer clears of bubbles. DO NOT OVERCHARGE it.

Most likely moisture has been in it long enough to have rusted and seized the expansion valve. If so, you can either replace the valve or, if the valve is frozen in the large appeture position, try running a low charge.

When the expansion valve seizes in the large appeture position you get high pressure on the low pressure side. That causes the overpressure switch to cycle the compressor. Running a low charge can work because the low side pressure will fall below the compressor cut-off point. The downside is there is not enough mass of refrigerant to move much heat. The system will work just not very well.

If the expansion valve is seized in the small appeture position, you will likely have constant problems with the evaporator core (inside the vehicle) iceing up.

At any rate, you MUST evacuate the system before you charge it. Otherwise you have air in it.

jrohland