I could never get the engine A/C in my 1987 El Capitan to work right. It would cycle too much despite being charged, and didn't put out cold enough air. My solution? Take everything out except for the...
The condenser, hoses, compressor, and filter/dryer all had R-134a fittings, which are compatible with R-12. Only the evaporator retained the R-12 fittings. You cannot use R-134a in an application where there are R-12 fittings, or it WILL leak.