Upgrading my A/C from R-12 to R-134a

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sansouci
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Upgrading my A/C from R-12 to R-134a

Post by sansouci »

My existing A/C compressor is shot (leaks oil all over) so that needs to be replaced. But if I go to R134a, I understand I need new hoses (barrier hoses?). But how do I spec them if my starting point is realoem? And who makes a good compressor (reman or brand new?)
Vin is 6997510 and its a 1984 633
Your experience is appreciated.
--Ken
Sansouci
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mojocoggo
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Post by mojocoggo »

Not sure on the compressor, but when mine was converted, only the drier was replaced and it all works very well. All other parts are original including the compressor.
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wjtesquire
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Conversion

Post by wjtesquire »

Mojocoggo is right. There is a lubricant I bought on eBay that is specifically made for this type of conversion. I used when I replaced my condenser years ago and have not had any problems with it. Fill it up with the oil and r134 and you will be fine.
ERCoupe

Post by ERCoupe »

You might want to investigate Enviro-Safe refrigerant substitute. A lot of DIY people with older systems (not necessarily E24 vehicles) report excellent results - assuming you don't have significant leaks, etc.
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Post by ron »

You will also need to change the charging points adaptors as the charging rig hoses have different ends.
They are ALWAYS rustier than you thought!!!!!!
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henryc
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Post by henryc »

I had a shop troubleshoot my E24 over 10 years ago to see why the a/c wasn't blowing cold air. They swapped the fittings as mentioned above so the 134a juice could be pushed into my old system. Nothing was changed except the brass fittings, which are slighty larger than the original fittings. He filled the system with 134a, added some leak detection color fluid and that was it. It's been working ever since. Not the greatest at red lights, but on the highways nice cold air.

Good luck- !
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Post by six shooter »

I used a Sanden compressor on my car.
Also used R12. We did have a source for parallel flow
condensers, but that dried up.
I suggest a aftermarket parallel flow condenser, Sanden compressor,
and R134a if you are not in the sweat belt.

R12 is a better refrigerant, if you must use the stock
tube-and-fin condenser. 134 dies at stop lights with
T and F condenser.
I get acceptable AC on the hottest of days.
Never Honda AC quality air, but it make up for being
in a cool car.

Cars with rear AC do a LOT BETTER.
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