Cab Air Conditioner

[Larry C]

It looks like my compressor is getting ready to seize up. It is making horrible noises and loading down the engine. My mechanic thinks it probably will need to be replaced. He might be able to rebuild but still needs to look at it. My question is has any one convered to the new 134 coolant system. I had it done on my car and it does not cool very well. I have been told that it probably wasn't done right. That with the new conversion to 134 it blows warmer at idle, but down the road it is only 6 to 8 degrees warmer than the old freon that I have now. Any comments      

[Richard Peterson]

I converted to R134 last year.  For some reason, I went thru 3 rebuilt compressors before finding one that worked.  They were all guaranteed from Auto Zone so no problem.  Also had to replace the condenser with a larger one, and a new reciever drier.  I also replaced all the hoses, having them made at a hose shop.  Net result is an ice cold cab which is nice here in Phoenix!  Oh, I also found an idler pulley in a junk yard off an old Chrysler big engine which has quieted the belt slop.  It helps if you have a air conditioning mechanic you can trust when going into this project.  Good luck!  

[Conrad]

I would be interested in where the idler pully is placed.  I have a belt type squeal that occurs when I ramp up to speed.  I am familiar with the loose belt sound at low RPM and this isn't it.  Is anyone familiar with what I am expieriencing?     I am wondering if alignment of the belt may be the issue.

[EKS]

Do you have a double groove pulley on your power steering. That helps with the belt squeal we had

[Richard Peterson]

Conrad, the a/c idler pulley is integral with the front a/c bracket.  It is a different bracket than what you have if you have no pulley but it bolts right on to the compressor.  I learned of this from past issues of newsletter.  You may even be able to get the parts from Dodge as the part no.s were given in the article.  If you don't find this information, let me know and I'll dig it up for you.  

[Conrad]

I have the double for the Alternator and AC compressor, single for the water pump and PS  pump.  I have the older piston AC pump.  Mr. Peterson, I would be interested in what you have.  I do have some older back issues of the newsletter but only for the last few years.  Let me look through them first, then I may ask  

[Richard Peterson]

Conrad, the issue is no. 50, page 15.  There is a picture of the bracket with the idler pulley.  I can send this to you if you'd like.  

[Conrad]

Thanks.  I sent you a private message about this.

[KEYSJUNK]

I would be interested in getting the part numbers for this idler pulley, if anyone has found them. I looked thru my past issues and I do not have #50.  My E-mail is budcla@bellsouth.net, you would please send them to me. Thanks  

[junebob]

Member #41. -Idler Pulley. I suggest you try one of the contact options WILDCAT AUTO WRECKING _MOPAR SPECIALISTS.Listed on this web sight. Bob Chaney.  

[Pete Jackson]

When I had my engine overhauled I decided to convert to 134 and have the compressor rebuilt.  My mistake was having the engine shop that overhauled the compressor did not have means to service the system.  The service shop found some external parts that leaked .  After he replaced
them, he determined the compressor needed to be rebuilt.  I decided to quit throwing money at it and disbled the whole system.  My suggestion is to have only one place work on it, and make sure ahead of time they will guarantee the whole system including parts and labor for at least six months.  It cost me over a thousand dollars to learn this lesson. Fortunatly living in Oregon, air conditioning is not a necessity.

[HPotter]

Several years ago our A/C compressor seized up and broke the belts. Oddly,we weren't running it, so the clutch should not have been engaged. We had a new compressor and  several other items installed and converted to R-134 gas. It works fine, and cooling seems quite adequate. The cost was about $1100--not cheap.

Harold, #886