2018 International LT A/C Refrigerant and Oil Specifications

Quick Answer: 2018 International LT A/C Specs

• Refrigerant Type: R-134a
• System Charge Amount: 4.0 lbs (64 oz) / 1814 grams
• PAG Oil Type: PAG 46
• Total System Oil Capacity: 9.8 oz / 290 mL
• Low-Side Service Port: Found on the A/C line near the passenger-side hood hinge.
• High-Side Service Port: Located on the smaller diameter A/C line, typically closer to the condenser in front of the radiator.

Why R-134a Persists in Heavy-Duty Trucks

While most passenger vehicles switched to the more environmentally friendly (and expensive) R-1234yf refrigerant starting around 2014, the heavy-duty truck industry has been slower to adopt it. For the 2018 model year, the International LT still uses the long-standing R-134a. This is beneficial for owners and technicians, as R-134a is significantly less expensive and the equipment required for service is more common and affordable. You do not need a dedicated, and costly, R-1234yf recovery and recycling machine for this truck.

A/C Recharge Procedure Essentials

Properly recharging the A/C system is about precision, not guesswork. Using cans of refrigerant with a pressure gauge is not the correct method and often leads to poor performance or component damage.

The only professional way to service an A/C system is to charge it by weight.

1. Recovery: First, the system must be professionally evacuated using an EPA-approved recovery machine to remove any old refrigerant.
2. Evacuation: A deep vacuum is pulled on the system for at least 30-60 minutes. This boils off any moisture, which is the enemy of A/C systems, as it can freeze and cause blockages or mix with refrigerant to form corrosive acids.
3. Charging: The exact factory-specified weight of refrigerant (4.0 lbs for the LT) is then weighed and added back into the system. This ensures optimal pressures and cooling performance.

Common A/C Problems for the International LT

The International LT platform is robust, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common A/C system vulnerabilities.

• Compressor Failures: The A/C compressor is the heart of the system. We often see clutch failures or internal mechanical failures. If the compressor fails internally, it can send debris throughout the entire system, requiring a costly flush and replacement of the condenser and expansion valve.
• Condenser Leaks: Located at the front of the truck, the condenser is susceptible to damage from road debris. Pinhole leaks from rocks and other impacts are a frequent cause of refrigerant loss.
• Evaporator Core Leaks: While less common, a leak in the evaporator core (located inside the dashboard) can be difficult and labor-intensive to diagnose and replace. A musty smell from the vents when the A/C is running can sometimes be a clue.

When to Call a Professional

While it might be tempting to use a DIY recharge kit, A/C system service is best left to certified professionals. The system operates under high pressure, and mishandling refrigerants can cause serious injury, such as frostbite. Furthermore, diagnosing the root cause of an A/C problem requires specialized tools and knowledge.

Disclaimer: The EPA requires anyone servicing motor vehicle A/C systems to be certified under Section 609 of the Clean Air Act. Intentionally venting refrigerant into the atmosphere is illegal.

If your International LT's A/C isn't performing as it should, don't guess. Get it diagnosed and serviced correctly.

Find a certified A/C shop on Repairius.