I am in the prosess of converting my 79 over to 134. I have replaced the compressor,hoses,o rings, dryer. I want to replave the orfice valve with a new one. I ordered a smart VOV and when installing it into the tube I have a problem. The new valve will not go down the tube easily. If I force it in the tube it only goes in half way. The screen end sticks up and will not fit into the the upper tube. And input as what I need to do od what VOV I may need. Thanks

 

Just happened on to this thread. First of all there was really no need to change over to R-134a freon. It would of been easier to just go with Freeze 12 freon which is more compatable with the R-12 system. No need of adapters or the changing of seals unless needed would of been required. Also compatable with the R-12 A/C oil.

As far as the orifice valve goes. Are you talking about the orifice filter? The filter that is the size of a cigarette? If so you may have the wrong one that it will not fit. The last time I checked there were at least 4 or 5 different orifice filters being sold. If your original was destroyed while taking it out it would be hard to tell the difference. Some fit Fords but look almost exactly like the GM orifice filters. Some are white in color and some are blue in color and although they look almost the same they are different and will not fit the same. The ears on the filter are different. If this isn't what you are talking about maybe if you post some pictures someone might be able to help you here.

 

I just had my Mustang GT converted last week, had my mechanic do it....$350, including fixing a leak.

I had it recharged with R-12 a couple years ago and it cost me $180 just for the freon. Mechanic said in the future it would cost about $500 to replace the R-12.

 

Yes the filter is what I am talking about. So how do I go about finding the corret one for my car?

R12 is nice and has lasted for 28 years until the factory compressor failed last fall. Gotta say 28 years nd just five years ago it need a bit of freon added. But Im looking at the future ans 134 appears to be the answer for the long run.

 

First of all find a realiable parts store to give you the correct orifice filter and you should be ok. Some of these places think they are all the same but they are not. I have been in the Auto Parts business now 29 years so I know what I am talking about.

As I mentioned Freeze 12 is the way to go. I sell both R-134a and Freeze 12. If it were me I would choose Freeze 12. It is not R-12. Freeze 12 is a different freon and is compatable with any car that came from the factory with R-12 in the system. It is better then R-134a in a R-12 system and doesn't require any changing of the compressor oil or the changing of seals, dryer or what have you. Freeze 12 will be around for a long time and the cost is not much different then what R-134a cost. Just a little bit more money. Here is a link to the Freeze 12 product so that you could read up on it and become educated to what I am talking about.
http://www.freeze12.com/

Add On. Freeze 12 can be added with a set of regular R-12 gauges unlke R-134a that requires a set of R-134a gauges. R-134a freon requires that you use R-134a adapters which will not fit in some areas on a C-3's air conditioning system. Freeze 12 can be added just like R-12 and there is no need for any adapters.

 

The oriface tubes and filters are all one piece and the different colors denote the oriface hole size for gas expansion to the evaporator and refrigerant performance. All fixed GM oriface tubes no matter what color are the same od and should fit. they cost less than $2.00.
Just take yours to a parts store and compare yours to a GM oriface tube on the od. Sounds like they may have given you a wrong one.

As far as refrigerant goes, Freeze 12 is 80% 134a and 20% 142b. The latter carries the oil thru the system and is compatable with the old mineral oil. 134a is not.
If you have replaced the expensive parts already, it would simply be foolish to compromise the componants with 20% lubrication.
Search and read pro forums like this for more info.
http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...AR_MSGDBTABLE=


.

 

I plan on converting to R-134a , however, I hope to use use components made for the R-134a conversion rather than just origjinal syle components. Jughead's mechanic is most probably right on the price direction of R-12

 

Almost all components sold these days are good for both r12 and 134a.

A lot of shops can't even do the r12 anymore. Each refrigerant requires dedicated equipment. Unecessary expense.

 

Look at your orifice tube or filter closely. You will see a set of ears on it. This is what is a little different with these orifice tubes.

 

Being in the parts business from my experience I have heard from many repair shops over the years that claim that Freeze 12 produced colder temperatures over the R-134a in a R-12 system. All the components sold today will work with both R-12, Freeze 12 and R-134a. As I mentioned no extra tools are needed to install Freeze 12. No need to purchase a set of R-134a gauges because you don't need adapters using the Freeze 12. A set of R-12 gauges is all you really need to install it. The use of a vacuum pump is recommended to suck the system down if you want to do the job right.

As I mentioned if you decide to use R-134a you should check if the addition of R-134a adapters to your system will give you enough room to hook your hoses up. I know on my 73' there isn't enough room. It was hard enough over the years to just add a little R-12 to the factory fitting. I can't see it being any easier with the R-134a adapter screwed in right on top of it.