1988-1995 Chevy truck A/C replacement and R134a retrofit

Parts list:
A/C Compressor GM GENUINE 1520185
A/C Refrigerant Hose / Line GM GENUINE 1533084
A/C Orifice Tube GM GENUINE 155378
Compressor To Condenser; DISCHARGE LINE W/FEMALE NUT ACDELCO 153912
A/C Receiver Drier/ Accumulator GM GENUINE 151676
Belt ACDELCO 6K956
A/C Condenser APDI/PRO 7014295
A/C Clutch Switch FOUR SEASONS 36675
Refrigerant Pressure Switch FOUR SEASONS 35961
A/C Refrigerant Oil UAC RO0902B
A/C System O-Rings / Seals FOUR SEASONS 26739
AutoCraft R- 12 To R- 134a Retrofit Parts Kit Part AC995/VA-LH11
Certified A/ C Pro Certified A/C PRO® Power Clean & Flush Part CA-1

[@Arexodius]

Love how deliberate and clear your instructions are for each step. Most people probably have a very limited understanding of how an A/C system works. So without clear instruction it's easy to get confused and make mistakes. Thank you for doing this!

[@ricktarded5943]

Dude, you are the BEST instructor ever. No silly background music. No fluff. No opinions. Just facts and sharing the skills so many people need for survival. Thanks and praise.

[@blairanthony3801]

Probably one of the best tutorial educational automotive videos I’ve watched yet. Answered so many questions in just this one video.

[@Tyga1locks]

Thank you so much for doing it step by step. I was not going to change my condenser but your video just made me do it. Pulling vacuum as I'm typing. My 1988 gmc will have ac today. You rock 100% support your videos.

[@MOE13576]

How was ot?

[@oldbiker9739]

well done young man , and thank you for answering the many questions that people had , I am 71 years young and still have my 91 GMC short box and still do my own work , thank you again .

[@klb1956]

Just a NOTE worthy note. When connecting the hoses to the ports High and Low, to open the system, the knobs need to be rotated clockwise which presses on the Schrader valve to OPEN the system and counterclockwise to close the system.

[@shanejones1665]

I have a 92 K2500 with 6.2 Detriot that did not come with an AC system from the factodirection. Previous owner lived in Cananda and did not need AC. I live in North Florida and DEFINITELY need AC! I had no idea what all I would need to do to install one, but this definitely steers me in the right direction.

[@SuburbanRanch]

If you don’t have factory a/c, you will also need to add the wiring and under dash components. It would be a big job.

[@edbaker7884]

Also for the benefit of your viewers, there were 2 slightly different setups in 1990. Unlike yours, mine had a slightly different condenser and a two piece liquid line which houses the orifice tube right at the joint in the two liquid lines. I highly recommend converting it to the condenser that houses the orifice tube and replace the liquid line with the version that you used. I had already installed the condenser only to discover that the orifice housing had been bulged inward, likely from corrosion buildup between the nut and line. I couldn't even get the old orifice out. I had to call GM to get a part number for that line and found that it was discontinued with no available aftermarket replacement. I'm sure that the parts house would have taken the condenser back in exchange for orificed version, but I had already reinstalled the grille. Fortunately, I was able to restore the end of that liquid line to its original shape using a large tapered punch and successfully flush the line and replace the orifice tube.

[@jeffreyhudson3434]

You sir,have the best video out there on this!!! I'm currently doing a '93 sierra!

[@Bradygoodz]

Great video !

[@tgt004]

Why not show operating pressures and vent temp? Oh and open the garage door for ventilation

[@SuburbanRanch]

@tgt004 The second garage door was open, it was cold outside so no vent temps on this video

[@frdmdfndr]

Great video!

[@fluke1172]

I Have watched a couple of your videos, and they are very helpful. I have a 1988 short bed 350, 700 r4 that I have owned since 1998. It is a good truck ,but I could have done a better job of keeping it up. With your help I am going to restore it .

[@jimminycricket6618]

I watched this about 10 times and used it as reference during the job. Thank you so much for the detailed steps and parts list. You’ve saved the obs community thousands of $$$. You need a qr code on your vid so i can venmo you some cash for a cold beer. Thanks!

[@WilsonNorman-e5g]

Why does my 94 have the standard r134 fill connect I've been trying too get my ac going but my clutch won't engage I thought it was bc it was outta freon so I tried filling it it read empty and when I squeezed the trigger it went too over filled but I didn't hardly put any freon in lol

[@Lolatyou332]

@18:40. I use a bench vise for any pressing of components like that, works great

[@josephastier7421]

Would be nice to see the new system run! Use a thermometer to see how cold the air comes out.

[@LewnidecI]

Great video! I was able to completely rebuild and retrofit the ac system in my 1990 silverado k1500 by the Grace of God and the how to knowledge shown here. Thank you! Keep it up!!

[@rhysarthur7305]

Good video, but wearing safety glasses when working on AC systems is always wise.

[@baxterdesert]

I was telling my wife this was the most through and well done ac video I have ever seen. Then you stopped at reading the gauges and went off only the weight. Well kudos upto that point.

[@Milkman3572000]

Very well done.

[@davidmorales1325]

What's the name of the electrical connection in the rear of the AC compressor

[@SuburbanRanch]

High pressure switch.

[@stevepitbull]

The only reason I was looking at this video was to find the trick to take the compressor rat without removing the clutch. That was cleverly bypassed, and the hard part of the job was already done clutch on this one we're working with is rusted and frozen I guess I'll cut the bolts.

[@rigobertorosell]

Great video! But u need some loom for them exposed wires and also will make it look cleaner😊

[@deangebhardt1981]

Very thorough. Wondering if I missed something though. What is the process for changing refrigerant canisters? Is it a repeat of the process shown in the video, or is there another process?

[@SuburbanRanch]

Yes. Repeat the process we show for each can.

[@jayteez6960]

Awesome video 👍 just finished redoing my entire A/C system with new parts thanks to your video.

[@davidolds1972]

Great job Thanks

[@IsaiasMoreno.]

When adding oil to the compressor os it necessary to rotate?

[@mikemitchell7575]

One of the clearest and easy to understand video's i have seen...thank you...

[@carlosherrera8541]

Thanks for posting this video, so when can I drop off my 454SS? 😆

[@jbncnow]

You were lucky. I'm replacing the entire dual HVAC system on a ,93 GMC Suburban and replacing all the lines for the rear ac heater unit. All the steel fittings on the aluminum lines were frozen solid and I twisted the ones on the condenser and the rest evaporator. I put so much torque on the evaporator nut it deformed it! I found a heavy duty hose kit that eliminates all the corroded metal lines underneath the truck. This is not an easy or clean job as old nasty coolant and refrigerant oil and green dye running down your arms as your cutting the old lines out from under the truck.

[@DavidHudson-p6y]

Hi, the short extension you used on the compressor line {6559423} I can't locate. Can you please tell me where you purchased the short extension part. I have put the number in at Rock Auto and it doesn't recognize.

[@SuburbanRanch]

The extension came with the compressor kit. The part number I gave you was from the instructions in the kit. The part number for the compressor should be in the video description. Hope that helps, not sure where you can buy just the extension

[@DavidHudson-p6y]

@@SuburbanRanch Thank You, I may need to machine one

[@RickTester]

Very professional. Really appreciate watching someone that knows what they're doing. Hav 1 question, I was planning on reusing original compresser and evaporater. Is there any problems with that. Have new dryer condenser,and new lines. It's a 1991 5.0 with 2cnd design. Thanks Rick

[@jaykirby3063]

Came acroos your videos this weekend. Very well done. Definitely answered a few questions I had. What site do you use to get your parts?

[@SuburbanRanch]

Rockauto for most of the parts

[@billstoops3306]

Wow Great Job! I am ready to do my 1988 Chevy C1500, Well after my nap and getting the parts. I'm only 83.

[@robertwkalkman9603]

Thank you. This is terrific. I had no idea whether or not I'd be even capable of doing this sort of job. I'm glad I looked it up. Now I'm quite sure that I can do it. And so.....maybe I'll get my A/C back. I'm unlikely to pay a pro to do it. There are better things to spend that money on. But I just might do it myself now.

[@kickrocksnomaticadventures3404]

Thanks. I've looked at a few videos. This is a compliment, I truly appreciate your shade tree knowledge! It was easy for me follow .

[@kenknapton7437]

part number153912 line doesn't come with high pressure port... what's the correct line PN?

[@deangebhardt1981]

What color are the wires that are in the connector that goes on the front of the compressor? Trying to reinstall AC in my 91 after it was previously gutted. Unfortunately none of the wires were labeled.

[@cuzznjimmy]

Very helpful, currently working on my a/c. Same model truck. With a completely new and dry system. How many Oz of peg oil is needed. I can't seem to find a solid answer on this. Thanks.

[@SuburbanRanch]

8 oz I believe. Should be the same as what we did in the video.

[@KentuckyCustomCrafts]

Great DIY vid. Now subscribed, but with a question. Every step was quite clear and well explained but video time lapsed forward at the point where refrigerant cans had to be swapped during the fill process. So, my question is: Are the lines (valves) left open or are they closed as each new can of refrigerant is connected to be drawn into the system?

[@SuburbanRanch]

Close the valves between cans and purge the air before opening them back up.

[@ethenlikestomakestuff9810]

So I did this twice, the first time I didn’t add oil and the ac lines got cold and the second time I did add oil to all the same things you did and now non of the lines get cold and the ac doesn’t work, what can I do to fix it?

[@jameschuke4104]

When switching cans like your second one turn your needle down all the way that way when you remove the can the hose gets no air then screw on second can with needle piercing can

[@Nicothecat15]

When I’m doing the flush, nothing comes from the bottom port, what does that mean?

[@Treyes92]

Need a video on replacing both power steering lines, mine got crushed in recent crash…

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

Excellent video!

[@esegovia113113]

Whats up thanks for the resourceful video, i was able to install the ac, but i had a question the next day after the install i turn on the ac and it leaked all the ac gas, im assuming i probably didn’t connect the ac pressure switch cables right. One has a letter A and another B, can you let me know which one is power and the other ground? Please and thanks in advance.

[@davidlaning3613]

I can't seem to find any information about what "part" the line from the dryer leading into the fire wall at the beginning of the video is... I plan on replacing everything you did in this video, but I couldn't help but be curious as to what it is.

[@Xpert1949]

I really appreciate your videos. However, on my 1990 GMC c1500 (that I bought new) the accumulator tube GM part 15669969 has galvonic corroded itself to the evaporator and there seems to be a leak at the fitting that is impossible to remove. Thinking the o-ring is bad, but since I have searched every parts source and salvage lot with no help on locating one, I now have replaced everything like you did and flushed the evaporator but will not hold a vacuum. Any thoughts on where to find the A/C accumulator tube that was used on all GM 1988-1991 pickups?

[@SuburbanRanch]

Going to have to find one at a salvage yard, these parts just aren’t available anymore.

[@tonywoodward3167]

Great video I’m going to try to replace my ac system as soon as my parts come in

[@faizankaiser6554]

Hy I know all types of cars Ac alterations in Saudia Arebia

[@jackog187]

What’s the difference of pag46 and pag 150. Amazon says I should run pag46 but feel like you know more.

[@SuburbanRanch]

This style compressor runs pag150

[@justinrogers94]

And am I the only one that noticed the garage door closed or is the door behind it open so the exhaust fumes don't get to ya lol

[@SuburbanRanch]

There is another garage door that is open!

[@1marcelfilms]

O rings lube with mineral oil. pag oil attract moisture and then the aluminum will corrode. I know this because it happened

[@donaldjschoemer2371]

I got all the way until you charge the system with 134a. My truck doesn’t seem to take in the 134a? After I thought I opened a can I then started the truck and the compressor will not operate?

[@donaldjschoemer2371]

Found the issue, being this was an old truck I decided to check the electrical connectors for the high and low switches. The connectors themselves are subject to corrosion and heat breakdown. I found my high switch connector was marginal and replaced it. A/C working nice and cold!!!

[@ndfleet3601]

What a supreme video! Easiest video to follow ever!!!

[@johnsmooth1524]

Thanks you , awesome video !!!!!!

[@philliphurst3752]

Great video I have all of the same parts to go on my 1988 K1500. This is just what I needed, Thanks, PH

[@jbncnow]

😂 I can't get any of the high side R 12 to 134 adapters from the parts store to screw onto the R ,12 high side fitting. It's supposed to be a 3/8ths 24 th threads per in. But it's very difficult to screw on like it is the thread is metric or is course thread. I. Bought 4 kits and none of them had a high side fitting that would work. No problem with the low side

[@jbncnow]

It's on a 93 Subarban

[@SuburbanRanch]

Might need to replace the line, sounds like it has a bad thread

[@ericvandersteen8433]

Great Video. You are a savior! I’m putting together a 1993 Chevy k1500 Blazer and I was lost on where to go with replacing the AC system. Very clear and exact video! You’ve got a new subscriber.

[@jeffzekas]

How long does it take to install the compressor, condenser, and all the related lines?

[@SuburbanRanch]

A good day if you don’t run into any issues.

[@damianromo7051]

Just wonder how much is the total cost of materials?

[@anthonyburkman2463]

Well…crap needing to replace my o -tube did not know I had to pull the grill.

[@maronielbethishou5912]

None of these part numbers match the part numbers that come up on auto zone when i put in my year make and model. Is this some custom swap or are these part numbers for r134a components? I need to get the ac going in my 93 and it’s r12

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Maroniel Bethishou Not a custom swap, all numbers are for r134a conversion. The parts might be slightly different on the 93, but the process should be the same!

[@healedbypitbulls6995]

U get ur ac going?

[@maronielbethishou5912]

@@healedbypitbulls6995 yes

[@marioalbertoquiroz9344]

Nice video, how much did you spend in parts?

[@Limbwalker1000]

Hey brother....I love watching your vidz......What is your first name...?? Im Steve...I have a 1988 K 1500 4x4 The Off Road Edition half ton with a beefed up suspension....Why does your engine compartment look like its brand new cuz mine looks old and grungy....lol.....My AC hasnt worked in about 6 years,,,, but thats about to change cuz youve inspired me that I can do this job myself Ive got all the parts except im just waiting on the lquid line and the condensor to come in....this truck is going to my nephew when I pass and I want it to blow ice cubes for him. Thanks and PEACE Brother

[@Respawntheskullpupper]

So, my 95 k1500 is missing the wire for the high pressure switch... what do i do?

[@SuburbanRanch]

I would re-install it the same way it was from the factory. It seems like only some of the trucks had a high pressure switch from the factory.

[@klb1956]

This video walk through really helped me with my 94 C1500. I ended up replacing everything except the evaporator behind the dash. Took me 6 hours in all, but saved me loads of money! I tried to remove the old orifice to see what it was like, and I couldn't even pull it out of the condenser. I cut the tube area in half and it was plugged up! No wonder the system failed! No flow! The only difference in the way I had to recharge mine and the recharge shown here is that the Freon canisters today have a resealable can, which in the video has the old style piercing valve. After I vacuumed the system and closing the quick connections at High and Low ports being careful not to allow any air back in the system. I had to recharge mine through the Low pressure port as if topping it off. Remember YOU MUST PURGE the short hose while connecting to the port to prevent air back in the system. The vacuum in the system took about 2 cans before I needed to start the truck. You must burnish the shaft/clutch when you start it up. If there is enough Freon in the system to engage the clutch during start up, the instructions indicate turning the AC on/off at least a dozen times to burnish the clutch shaft. Then I proceeded to put the remaining Freon in the system. So the back story to my situation here is the first compressor I bought from Auto Zone went bad! After about 3 days driving and a couple hour drive to camp for the weekend, the bearing was squealing like a banshee! I ended up changing it out and returned for warranty replacement. What a PIA! Fingers crossed! So far still cold! Thank you again for this video. Like many DIY'ers, we just need that reassurance sometimes that we are on the right track in doing the project.

[@HOTRODRICO]

what does burnish the clutch shaft mean ? thanks ahead of time

[@klb1956]

HotRodRico: Burnishing the clutch surface is a short process by engaging (on/off) the AC so the new clutch shaft surfaces are, if you will, mated, sanded or polished by the short on/ off intervals. This assures the surfaces have even contact across the clutch shaft for optimun performance. Hope this explaination helps.

[@DedeJones-bd4hq]

I need your help!!! The spacer you used on the ac line I didn’t see the part number in the description .. and is it completely necessary, I bought a new ac delco one that came with two black washers , do I need the green one?

[@luisleal989]

Part number four seasons 24342

[@SuburbanRanch]

Our compressor came with all of the washers, here is a link to the washer kit. You will need the washer if you are following our video. www.sherco-auto.com/5-piece-ac-manifold-compressor-sealing-washer-kit-for-gm-compressors.html

[@maxbauguss4854]

does the high side R134 adapter need its own scrader valve or does the system use the OE valve?

[@SuburbanRanch]

Does not need its own valve, uses the existing valve.

[@williamcunha9136]

Thank you for the video. I was wondering what made you decide not to change the Evaporator Core?

[@SuburbanRanch]

I did not want to remove the dash

[@DavidDiaz-zp4hu]

Does anyone know if everything is identical on an 85 S10 ? Or is it a different type expansion valve/orifice tube type system being older ?

[@Thetoastytexan1998]

Was the yellow sealing washer a pain to get on

[@AnttiSoininen-rg2wv]

Couple quetstions.. 1. If i do same kind of renovation like you and put refrigerant oil on system before assemble... Does the oil came out if i make a vacumation, or still holds in system? And question two.. Do i have to remove old schrader valves on low and high ports before i mount retrofit r134a coupling set? They had a own valves..

[@SuburbanRanch]

The oil will not come out during the vacuum procedure. You do not need to remove the valves to install the adapter kit.

[@AnttiSoininen-rg2wv]

@@SuburbanRanch Many thanks for the information :)

[@James25cook_]

Gee thanks guy the only question I had and you didn't answer it..... HOW DO I GET THE BOLS PAST THE AC

[@SuburbanRanch]

They have a flat spot on the head! I think we covered it briefly in the video.

[@Mohammed-uz1sn]

​@SuburbanRanch hi sir

[@Auxbeam]

Wondering Is there a way to build a partnership:)?

[@tomnassar5884]

My 1985 c10 4.3l v6 ac really vibrates the truck when the ac is on. Does anyone have an ac mount hack?

[@kenmoore3623]

Where do I get the Accumulator mounted R-134a Low side switch and part number. Have looked online to no avail. I'm converting 87 GMC pickup and have ordered all the parts except can't find this part. This is an excellent presentation and thanks for posting this. Thanks KM

[@kenmoore3623]

Please disregard I found the correct discription and it is listed on the above parts list.

[@anttisoininen2452]

Question about AC clutch cycle.. I made R134a conversion with new parts.. (Evaporator is only old part). I also have new R134a pressure switch on dryer. I fill system 8oz PAG150 oil and 2lb R134a refrigerant. System works qnd blows really cold, but clutch cycle is really fast, couple seconds on and couple seconds off.. Is that normal?? Truck is 1990 regular cab with R4 compressor.

[@SuburbanRanch]

No, sounds like you are tripping the low pressure switch. I’d check with manifold gauges and likely add more refrigerant

[@amariodom4858]

what’s the difference between the two a/c refrigerant… or i should ask why switch is one colder than the other?

[@SuburbanRanch]

R134a is readily available, r12 is not. I’m not sure exactly why they operate at different pressures, but they do and the switches are readily available to make it work

[@Truckingforlife323]

Can i reuse my current A/C lines or do i have to get new ones to do the retrofitting?

[@SuburbanRanch]

Just clean them out good and you can re-use them.

[@dewaynepullin3640]

Thank you sooo much for the thuro and to the point instructions. All how to s should be exactly like this . Thank you again

Before installing the new R134A fittings, do you remove the valves from the existing R12 fitting?

[@maxbauguss4854]

did you ever find an answer to this question? im wondering the same

@@maxbauguss4854 Yes you remove the valve from the low side of the original R12 fitting. But you leave the high side fitting in.

The high side valve I mean.

[@Co-SS]

Probably do not want to run car with garage shut. you know :)

[@SuburbanRanch]

The other garage door was open, no worries!

[@WilsonNorman-e5g]

What if I don’t have the valve for the can all I have is the connection for the low side with a gauge for the Freon

[@immort_Draconis]

Where are the edns results?

[@bdoug3932]

I need ac in my 88 s/10 2.5 5 speed will this method work

[@LewnidecI]

BTW my 90 silverado k1500 originally had the 1st design system in it and the knowledge in this video helped me to convert to the 2nd design which is much easier to find parts for. Thanks again!!

[@alfredmedina3267]

Great explanation it was very clear and concise! I wish more explained things as well as you did.

[@otxbrandon4620]

where did you buy that retro fit pressure switch?

[@SuburbanRanch]

Rockauto

[@anthonyyoung7344]

Yeah I just did a R134a compressor on my 94 S10 blazer last week and man what a different I used a new AC Delco R134a compressor and it does make a difference on what compressor you use.don't use a cheap aftermarket compressor.

[@amirz-i]

Hello Thank you very much for the wonderful video I still wanted to ask, I have a 1989 G20 with a rear air conditioning unit as well, I saw that you put a total of 8oz of oil, do I need to put more oil in my system because there is also a rear unit Thanks

[@SuburbanRanch]

Sorry, I’m not sure on that.

[@photondebuger45]

I feel like I gotta do the same thing with my 98 Sonoma possibly at least I think tho probably look at it some more see if I need to do more than I think. If that makes sense lol.

[@ricardorodriguez5240]

Can you link the video for the intake manifold please

[@SuburbanRanch]

No video for the intake manifold.

[@wallywatkins6745]

Do you have a video changing the radiator.

[@SuburbanRanch]

We do not

[@claytonpetersen8418]

Suburban Ranch need help on my 92. I don't see any wiring for the high-pressure switch.

[@paulwalrath5099]

I have a '92 K2500 Silverado and I don't have a high-pressure switch on the back of my compressor. Only a clutch switch on the front.

[@MarshallSmith27]

Do I need a new condenser and hoses? My r12 system doesnt leak but my compressor is failing

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Marshall Smith The old r12 condenser had much larger tubes than the newer ones for r-134a. I would recommend replacing it. If you want to re-use the hoses, make sure you flush them

[@tinyl.o.c266]

Ufff💨💯💪

[@rileycoble5842]

What’s the accumulator pressure cut-off switch for the retrofit r134. I can’t find it anywhere! If you don’t mind telling me. Thanks.

[@SuburbanRanch]

I’m pretty sure I bought the switch from Rockauto

[@shloomyshloms]

would you happen to know the part number for the bracket that the compressor is mounted on? specifically for an 89 c2500 5.7 liter

[@SuburbanRanch]

I do not know the part number for the bracket.