Need some AC advice
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Portland OR
Need some AC advice
It looks like I'm leaking oil from the AC compressor. The AC still works but I want to fix it before it fails. Would hate for it to freeze up and lose the belt. It is an 87 and I believe it to be all original. One person recommended a kit that would replace everything and change it over to R134. The other option is to just replace the compressor, (should I get a new or rebuilt), and use a new product labeled R134a, R12a,which they claim will mix fine with any refrigerant. What do you guys think is the best way to go?
TIA
TIA
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I bought a new compressor and hoses and am going to stay with R12. It really isn't expensive as everyone would lead you to believe. You can find it for $25 a can if you keep your eyes open.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw MI
Well from my experience in Michigan, R12 is about $100.00/lb and if the system was empty, it would take almost 3 lbs to fill it up, on my 84. I opted to convert it to R134a. I bought a GM AC o-ring/adapter kit and replaced all my o-rings in all the lines and vacuumed the system down, then re-charged it with R134a. I only have about $100.00 into all that and my system is current so that down the road it will be much easier if I ever have to add freon. I would convert it if I were you.
Scott
Scott
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Don't make a move without going here first: http://www.autoacforum.com. My compressor seized so I flushed the system, changed the compressor, accumulator , orfice tube and fancutout switch (the old one broke swapping it to the new compressor). I evacuated it for 3 hours and filled her back up with R12 and have ice cold air again. I learned so much from the forum and it took all the fear out. Much help from AC pro's there. I bought everything I needed from their sponsor ACKITS.com and spent about $350.00 for a repair that would have been double but I know it was done correctly because I did it. Do some research, ask questions and give it a try and you will have success. If you decide to convert they can help with that also. I have a 30lb cylinder of R12 so it was an easy decision for me to keep it the same. Good luck Mike
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
One more thing. If you do convert, flush the system thoroughly to remove the mineral oil and fill the compressor with the PAG oil several times and spin it out to flush it also and top it off with the correct amount of PAG. If you use the mineral oil you will be replacing a compressor again in a season or two. This happened to a couple of guys I know. The seals are not compatible with the 134 refrigerant/mineral oil combo. If you do all the work yourself you should be able to get a shop to vaccum it and top it off with R12 for you. Up here in Maine it is about $25/lb at most shops. Most shops have too much recovered R12 up here because the summer is so short many people don't fix their older systems or they converted already. Junkyards that do auto repairs usually will do it cheaply because they have a glut of the stuff. I think most people will tell you the R12 will work better.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 0
From: WAY UPSTATE NY
If you are going to replace the compressor you should probably go with the new. I did alot of searching and found that you can buy a new compressor for the same money or less than a rebuilt.Rock auto has new delco units for a reasonable price.I purchased an A/C Delco for $249 complete with clutch part# 15-20227,1 year warranty. $20.00 shipping. The decision is yours but NAPA want Over $350 for a Four seasons brand. If you have a source for R-12 you could stay with that or change over. I changed over to 134A simply because of availability.As far as the not cooling as well debate I have 37# air at the center vents on a mid 90* day. If properly done I see no difference in the cooling ability.This was done an '86 coupe. Hope this helps.
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by Brian86
It's $10 a can in Tijuana, Mexico. I just bought 6 cans last week 
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From: green valley az
Originally Posted by quantum-theory
It looks like I'm leaking oil from the AC compressor. The AC still works but I want to fix it before it fails. Would hate for it to freeze up and lose the belt. It is an 87 and I believe it to be all original. One person recommended a kit that would replace everything and change it over to R134. The other option is to just replace the compressor, (should I get a new or rebuilt), and use a new product labeled R134a, R12a,which they claim will mix fine with any refrigerant. What do you guys think is the best way to go?
TIA
TIA
