When to covert A/C compressor
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
When to covert A/C compressor
My 90 A/C compressor may be going. If it does, do I stick with R12 or do I shift to the R136? or whatever the newer number is? What are the pros and cons?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
I'm in the same boat as you are. I've heard horror stories about the cost of R12, if you can find it. I've also heard R34 doesn't cool as well and the conversion is also pretty expensive. I'm trying to decide which way to go. Thankfully it's been a cool summer and I haven't needed air too much. I'll be interested to hear from those who switched on cost and cooling performance.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Perry Ga
I had my 88 changed last month, I had my local owned shop take care of it for me. He changed out the reciever dryer and converted to 134 for 200.00. It is cool really well, it takes a little to get cool due to the fact that my car sits in the heat during the day at work. I am pleased with the converted a/c plus now I can add my own if needed.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
I converted 5 years ago, and get 43 degrees at the dash. I can't imagine anyone defining that as "not cooling well". Done correctly, it cools very well.
Replace, at a minimum, compressor and clutch, evaporator drier, orifice tube, and all O rings. Pull a vacuum on the system to remove any moisture and residual mineral oil. Recharge to 80% of rated capacity with R134A and PAG oil.
You can do the whole conversion in your garage in an afternoon for around $250, and can buy refrigerant at Pep Girls or Fat Mart from then on.
Convert, you won't be sorry.
Replace, at a minimum, compressor and clutch, evaporator drier, orifice tube, and all O rings. Pull a vacuum on the system to remove any moisture and residual mineral oil. Recharge to 80% of rated capacity with R134A and PAG oil.
You can do the whole conversion in your garage in an afternoon for around $250, and can buy refrigerant at Pep Girls or Fat Mart from then on.
Convert, you won't be sorry.
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