What refrigerant are you planning on running R-12 or R-134a?
Your AC pump bracket is integrated with the lower coolant inlet.

 

The Dodge compressor (not pump) will work fine with the GM a/c. You will have to use the GM wiring to control the compressor though.

GM trucks of that vintage used a fixed orifce and a cycling clutch to maintain proper system pressures. Dodged used an expansion valve setup that would run the compressor constantly (unless pressures got extreme)

A compressor is a compressor and doesn't care which style system it's working with as long as it's turned on and off at the proper times.

 

Jim L, I really don't have a clue what refrigerant I'm going to run. Is there an option? If so which is better? I also wasn't aware that the comp bracket was integrated with anything. I never took the old pump off since I needed it to keep belt tension. looked like it just bolted to the block.

Ruderunner, Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

 

Not to step on Jim's toes but there are three most common refrigerants people use for mobile applications.

R12 cools great in older vehicles and is the optimal choice for our stuff because that is what every thing made before 1994 ( I think) came from the factory with. But r12 is expensive and you are supposed to have a license to purchase it.

R134a is cheaper but an older r12 system needs some modifications in order to get optimal cooling from r134. But you do not need a license to buy r134a and it is widely available almost anywhere!

Then there are a few of us mavericks out there that run HC12 which is an industrial refrigerant NOT approved for mobile use in the US. This refrigerant is also cheap but the cooling efficiency rivals if not surpasses R12. I should also throw in that you can't get HC12 just anywhere and it is flammable.

Not trying to steer you in any direction with that. I just figured I would throw the need to know facts out there.

Thanks!
Jon




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HC12 is the same as Duracool.

 

Yes sir. I went with Envirosafe but it's the same stuff just a different brand.


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If it works well, who cares? That is MHO. I use Freeze 12 in my old MB. The PO on my truck had it perver...er converted to 134a. They did use ester oil, so that is good. I'm planning on going w/Freeze12. I prefer R12, but can't afford it. Getting the 609 is cheap though.

 

Thanks for all the input. Looks like I'm going with the dodge pump and getting lines built. Seems like 134 with some new O-rings will do the trick. Need to figure out how to mount the condenser, not much room because of the intercooler. But thats easy enough. Thanks again!

 

Make sure the condenser is a parallel flow type. R134 is not very efficient with the R12 tube and fin setup. Do change all the o-rings like you said, get the green viton ones. Also use Nylog for the o-ring lube and sealing.

 

Tube and fin? Parallel flow? Not another thing lol! The condenser is from I believe a 97 chevy crew cab.

 

The '97 one condenser should be fine, as 134a was mandated for all cars in 1996.

 

Actually mandated in 1994. But yes the 97 GM condensor should be fine.

 

Make sure all of the replacement hoses are of the barrier type, R-134 will permiate the old rubber style hoses.

BTW you can easily run the engine without the AC Compressor by using a non-AC belt and route it accordingly.

Jim

 

I've been running it with the original compressor in place with noting hooked up to it for about two years. Finally getting around to hooking up the air