1982 R134 fitting problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 24
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1982 R134 fitting problem
I am going through the retrofit process to R134 from R12. All was going well until I got to the part where you assemble the new fittings onto an available port for the high and low pressure taps. I located the low pressure tap on the back of the compressor without any issues but when I attempted to assemble the high pressure fitting onto the small aluminum line that runs under the fender, the fitting did not tighten down correctly. I dis assembled it and noticed that the fitting port has a flat end on it (on the aluminum line) unlike the low pressure that has an s.a.e. fitting on it. Is this correct or am I trying to locate thge high pressure adapter to the wrong location. I looked into the fitting supplied with the kit and it also has a flat seat area with a flat o-ring..... seems like a pretty ****ty design if it is in fact correct. Has anybody out there experienced this issue before? How did you solve it?
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Hesperia ca
i have run into this before one my different cars, there is 2 different sizes for high side r12 fittings, the small one is the most common (same thread as low side) but there is a large thread also(i don't know the size) you local parts store should have the fitting you need if not i know napa sells them, if i can find a part# before i leave work i will post it for you
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Thanks for the reply, the fitting I have is a 90 degree swivel type and it had a flat o-ring in it. I was able to tighten it but not enough to keep it from rotating by hand. It almost seems like the port I am trying to put this fitting on was not designed to have an adapter put on it since its end is flat not tapered. I dont think it would contain 220 p.s.i. Do you know of another high pressure tap that I could use instead of the aluminum line under the fender?
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Hesperia ca
there isn't anyother spot on the high side that i know of, i can look at my vette when i get home and tell you for sure though, i hate the 90 degree fittings i have had bad luck with sealing, the o-ring is normal it seals on the top of the old fitting right before the treads
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 72
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From: Hesperia ca
i did use the staight fitting on mine with out a problem, i have an 81 it's a little hard to get the fitting on but i just very littley bent the line to make it alittle easiyer be very carful if you tweek the line though they are very soft and bend easy
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
I am going through the retrofit process to R134 from R12. All was going well until I got to the part where you assemble the new fittings onto an available port for the high and low pressure taps. I located the low pressure tap on the back of the compressor without any issues but when I attempted to assemble the high pressure fitting onto the small aluminum line that runs under the fender, the fitting did not tighten down correctly. I dis assembled it and noticed that the fitting port has a flat end on it (on the aluminum line) unlike the low pressure that has an s.a.e. fitting on it. Is this correct or am I trying to locate thge high pressure adapter to the wrong location. I looked into the fitting supplied with the kit and it also has a flat seat area with a flat o-ring..... seems like a pretty ****ty design if it is in fact correct. Has anybody out there experienced this issue before? How did you solve it?
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 72
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From: Hesperia ca
81 is correct, i just went out and looked at my car, the line is right above the coolant bottle running along the fender, the low side (blue r134a fitting) should go on the larger line along the side of the evap case. i will get a pic for you hear in a few min...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Thanks for everyones help, I went out to Autozone last night and bought a straight fitting that was designed a little differently and all is well as far as I can see (its under vacuum right now). Interesting post earlier regarding the use of the port behind the compressor for a low pressure tap. I have read in many other posts that there are many people that use that location to charge at rather than the port above the low pressure switch. What do you think......is that port safe to use or not?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
Thanks for everyones help, I went out to Autozone last night and bought a straight fitting that was designed a little differently and all is well as far as I can see (its under vacuum right now). Interesting post earlier regarding the use of the port behind the compressor for a low pressure tap. I have read in many other posts that there are many people that use that location to charge at rather than the port above the low pressure switch. What do you think......is that port safe to use or not?
