Another R134A Question...
Thread Starter
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Another R134A Question...
A local mechanic here in Charlotte says that the accumulator does not have to be changed out with the conversion to R134A refrigerant. He also says that there is a new R134A oil that is okay to mix with the R12 mineral oil. This new oil will allow an R12 system to be converted to R134A without completely flushing the system or changing the accumulator. This all sounds like snake oil to me.
What think?
What think?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
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From: FL
Ester refrigerant oil is said to be compatible with the mineral oil used in R12 systems and PAG lubricants used with 134A. I would not consider doing a retrofit without replacing the accumulator but in my experience if you ask any 10 mechanics how they would do a particular job you will get at least 11 different answers.
- 1986 Original Owner -
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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Pete, If you do replace the accumulator, let me know if you have any fit problems and what part number you used if you don't. I've got two accumulators for my '86 Pace Car and the fittings don't match the bracket. I thought maybe I got the wrong part and ordered a second from another source, but it is exactly the same. Since we have the same car, I wanted to know how you make out. I ended up using he original accumulator when I switched to R134A and had no problems for two years. I bought a replacement compressor as well, but though I'd use the original until it failed. I've got the whole system off again to do some other work (major engine bay cleanup) and would like to install the new compressor and accumulator even though the originals were still working fine.
Let me know how you make out.
Let me know how you make out.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,837
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
Did mine 60000 miles ago. Didnt replace anyhting. Just Bought a 134 kit and put it in. Still blows cold. Car has 145000 on it and the high pressure hose now has a big swelled up spot. I'll fix that when it blows.
Thread Starter
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Pete, If you do replace the accumulator, let me know if you have any fit problems and what part number you used if you don't. I've got two accumulators for my '86 Pace Car and the fittings don't match the bracket. I thought maybe I got the wrong part and ordered a second from another source, but it is exactly the same. Since we have the same car, I wanted to know how you make out. I ended up using he original accumulator when I switched to R134A and had no problems for two years. I bought a replacement compressor as well, but though I'd use the original until it failed. I've got the whole system off again to do some other work (major engine bay cleanup) and would like to install the new compressor and accumulator even though the originals were still working fine.
Let me know how you make out.
Let me know how you make out.
I rebuilt my entire A/C system this past winter in preparation for the upcoming NCRS Nationals being held here in Charlotte next month. I kept the system R12, but had to pay $40 a can for the Freon.
As I wanted to keep the car at OEM specs and was unable to find an NOS accumulator, I had Classic Auto Air in Tampa rebuild the original accumulator for me. To do this they carefully cut the original accumulator in half at the weld. They then replace the silica gel, or whatever is inside of it, along with the internal components and then carefully welded the accumulator back together. The finished product looks like a NOS accumulator. Of course, the rebuilt OEM part was a perfect fit when reassembling the A/C system. Classic Auto Air charged me about $80 for the rebuild service.
Here is their contact information:
Classic Auto Air Mfg.
4901 Rio Vista Avenue
Tampa, FL, 33634
813-251-2356
www.classicautoair.com
E-Mail: sales@classicautoair.com
My A/C system is now completely back together and is blowing 55 degree air out of the interior vents. Works great. We'll see what the National NCRS judges say about it all next month.
More later...
P.
Thread Starter
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Ester refrigerant oil is said to be compatible with the mineral oil used in R12 systems and PAG lubricants used with 134A. I would not consider doing a retrofit without replacing the accumulator but in my experience if you ask any 10 mechanics how they would do a particular job you will get at least 11 different answers.
My friend has already hired him to do the conversion without flushing the system or changing the accumulator. It is sure not the approach I would take, but I guess we'll see how it all works out for him.
- 1986 Original Owner -
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 3,193
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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Ray:Classic Auto Air charged me about $80 for the rebuild service.
Here is their contact information:
Classic Auto Air Mfg.
4901 Rio Vista Avenue
Tampa, FL, 33634
813-251-2356
www.classicautoair.com
E-Mail: sales@classicautoair.com
We'll see what the National NCRS judges say about it all next month.
More later...
P.
Here is their contact information:
Classic Auto Air Mfg.
4901 Rio Vista Avenue
Tampa, FL, 33634
813-251-2356
www.classicautoair.com
E-Mail: sales@classicautoair.com
We'll see what the National NCRS judges say about it all next month.
More later...
P.
Good luck at the Nats and let us know how you make out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
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From: San Diego, Ca
NAPA was the only source I knew of for an exact fit, but I haven't checked lately - you can at www.napaautoparts.com or try the guys at www.ackits.com - the GM replacement is universal and comes with 2 schraders since some of the Units that call it out put the Low Pressure Switch on it. It'll fit, but you need to notch the bracket or it will sit up too high and hit the hood. As far as I know, the dessicant in these replacements are compatible with either gas - put R134 in an R12 Dryer and it can fall apart and ruin quite a bit.
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 58
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From: Bowling Green Ky
I've had my car for about 6 months now,first thing I did was get the air fixed..it hadn't worked for about 14 years(my dad owned it back then,sold it to a friend who I bought it back from)anyways took it to a friend of mine who only works on a/c systems and all he did was replace a failed fitting and put new oil and 134a in it,works like a charm ever since..just my 2 cents
- 1986 Original Owner -
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 3,193
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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NAPA was the only source I knew of for an exact fit, but I haven't checked lately - you can at www.napaautoparts.com or try the guys at www.ackits.com - the GM replacement is universal and comes with 2 schraders since some of the Units that call it out put the Low Pressure Switch on it. It'll fit, but you need to notch the bracket or it will sit up too high and hit the hood. As far as I know, the dessicant in these replacements are compatible with either gas - put R134 in an R12 Dryer and it can fall apart and ruin quite a bit.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 83
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From: Cambridge Ohio
I put this stuff in my 87 http://www.autorefrigerants.com/ . They sell a r-12 compatible replacement and has worked great in mine. It also operates at lower pressures than 134 so it is easier on your a/c compressor.
