AC Conversion
#1
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Location: Sparks Nevada
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AC Conversion
I have an 87 C4. AC has never worked since I bought it 12 years ago. I guess it's time to get it working. I would like to convert it from R12 to R134A. Beside a New Compressor, what else do I need to purchase?
#2
here's a link to their .pdf catalog -- http://www.fjcinc.com/wp-content/the...FJCcatalog.pdf
additional info -- http://www.aa1car.com/library/retrofit.htm -- http://aircondition.com/
Last edited by Joe C; 07-08-2016 at 06:26 AM.
#3
Melting Slicks
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Location: Baltimore, MD USA
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https://www.epatest.com/609/openbook/
#4
Racer
I am working on my 84, replaced the compressor/accumulator/orifice tube, flushed the condenser and evaporator. The FSM says to add oil to the condenser and evaporator(about two ounces) Did you add any to your car? It also says to add oil to the accumulator. My components are from Four Seasons and they say to use Pag 150, how many ounces of oil you added to the compressor?
#5
I am working on my 84, replaced the compressor/accumulator/orifice tube, flushed the condenser and evaporator. The FSM says to add oil to the condenser and evaporator(about two ounces) Did you add any to your car? It also says to add oil to the accumulator. My components are from Four Seasons and they say to use Pag 150, how many ounces of oil you added to the compressor?
Last edited by Joe C; 07-08-2016 at 02:08 PM.
#7
Melting Slicks
To convert from r12 to 134a you just need a $39 conversion kit and presto it will be working fine no matter what anyone else says.
But that answer may not help you if you have other problems. You need to find out WHY its not working. The conversion kit is all you need to solve the Freon change over but that doesn't stop leaks, bad compressor or whatever else.
My 1987 puts at 38 degrees pretty easy driving down the road with the outside temp in the 90's. It will hold in the 40's no problem at idle. I converted it to 134a using the kit method I mentioned.
But that answer may not help you if you have other problems. You need to find out WHY its not working. The conversion kit is all you need to solve the Freon change over but that doesn't stop leaks, bad compressor or whatever else.
My 1987 puts at 38 degrees pretty easy driving down the road with the outside temp in the 90's. It will hold in the 40's no problem at idle. I converted it to 134a using the kit method I mentioned.
Last edited by crowz; 07-10-2016 at 08:05 AM.
#8
as long as you have a supply of R12, and everything works properly, or you do all repairs yourself, you're OK. the problem lies if you have to take the car into a reputable shop for any repair. as long as it's not anything more than adding a small amount of R12 , you're OK. the average guy doesn't have the equipment or even a R12 manifold/gauge set to properly service their system at home. if you have a failed component, or major leak, most shops will do a conversion. most shops will not repair a failed R12 system. i'm not sure, but that may be some federal guideline. several things to remember - it's against the law to manufacture R12 in the United States, it's against the law to import R12 into the U.S. unless you can find NOS cans of R12 on craigslist, most everything supplied by shops, or sold over the counter, is "recycled" R12, and you will pay an arm and a leg for the stuff. BTW, that $20 open book test to buy the stuff legally is a joke, and you don't need it to buy off craigslist - only if you buy it at a parts supplier, like NAPA, and you won't get it for $20/can - try $40-$50. while most, and most on-line sites say, R12 is better and colder that 134a, I have yet to see any factual test data comparing the cooling efficiency of two identical cars. not to get into a pissing contest, but my results differ from yours. anyway, have a good one, and stay cool!
Last edited by Joe C; 07-10-2016 at 11:14 AM.
#9
To convert from r12 to 134a you just need a $39 conversion kit and presto it will be working fine no matter what anyone else says.
But that answer may not help you if you have other problems. You need to find out WHY its not working. The conversion kit is all you need to solve the Freon change over but that doesn't stop leaks, bad compressor or whatever else.
My 1987 puts at 38 degrees pretty easy driving down the road with the outside temp in the 90's. It will hold in the 40's no problem at idle. I converted it to 134a using the kit method I mentioned.
But that answer may not help you if you have other problems. You need to find out WHY its not working. The conversion kit is all you need to solve the Freon change over but that doesn't stop leaks, bad compressor or whatever else.
My 1987 puts at 38 degrees pretty easy driving down the road with the outside temp in the 90's. It will hold in the 40's no problem at idle. I converted it to 134a using the kit method I mentioned.
BTW, these are the charts I used -
FWIW, my low pressure was 41psi, high 217psi, center duct temp approx. 58-59°, ambient temp 91-92° with humidity above 40%. BTW, the amount of R134a added to my system was slightly less than the conversion factor - probably 90%-95%. didn't want to open a forth can for just a "little more...."
Last edited by Joe C; 07-10-2016 at 11:39 AM.
#10
Melting Slicks
for $39, those temp readings are amazing - I get nothing like that. my center duct temps are in the upper 50's with an outside air temp in the low 90's and high humidity. according to the charts, everything's normal. when you did your conversion, did you replace your accumulator(dryer), O-rings?
BTW, these are the charts I used -
FWIW, my low pressure was 41psi, high 217psi, center duct temp approx. 58-59°, ambient temp 91-92° with humidity above 40%. BTW, the amount of R134a added to my system was slightly less than the conversion factor - probably 90%-95%. didn't want to open a forth can for just a "little more...."
BTW, these are the charts I used -
FWIW, my low pressure was 41psi, high 217psi, center duct temp approx. 58-59°, ambient temp 91-92° with humidity above 40%. BTW, the amount of R134a added to my system was slightly less than the conversion factor - probably 90%-95%. didn't want to open a forth can for just a "little more...."
Of course if the system was open to air for any time at all I change the dryer. If the system had leaks to start with those have to be addressed with orings and what not. If the compressor had problems its still going to have problems after the change over with the kit.
Ive done way over a 100 of the conversions and never had any issues with them.
#11
Didn't change anything. If a system is working right already I always just use the kit.
Of course if the system was open to air for any time at all I change the dryer. If the system had leaks to start with those have to be addressed with orings and what not. If the compressor had problems its still going to have problems after the change over with the kit.
Ive done way over a 100 of the conversions and never had any issues with them.
Of course if the system was open to air for any time at all I change the dryer. If the system had leaks to start with those have to be addressed with orings and what not. If the compressor had problems its still going to have problems after the change over with the kit.
Ive done way over a 100 of the conversions and never had any issues with them.
BTW, got a link to the kit you used? (for future reference)
BTW2, if you've done over 100 conversions, you are not your average hobbyist. do you work in some sort of automotive shop?
Last edited by Joe C; 07-10-2016 at 05:18 PM.
#12
Melting Slicks
I never hunt for a particular kit. I just grab whats on the shelf at autozone, napa or wherever Im at.
I think igloo made most of the kits I used. The purpose of the "kit" is to convert the oil over. Otherwise you would just put 134a in. That's the whole reason for the kit is to handle the oil issue.
Also yes maaaaaanny years ago I was a mechanic. I do the conversions now for friends and their friends so I still do a few a year now. Also I have owned over 200 vehicles in my lifetime, car junky
EVERYTHING I own has a/c and it works. Cant live without a/c.
I think igloo made most of the kits I used. The purpose of the "kit" is to convert the oil over. Otherwise you would just put 134a in. That's the whole reason for the kit is to handle the oil issue.
Also yes maaaaaanny years ago I was a mechanic. I do the conversions now for friends and their friends so I still do a few a year now. Also I have owned over 200 vehicles in my lifetime, car junky
EVERYTHING I own has a/c and it works. Cant live without a/c.
#13
I never hunt for a particular kit. I just grab whats on the shelf at autozone, napa or wherever Im at.
I think igloo made most of the kits I used. The purpose of the "kit" is to convert the oil over. Otherwise you would just put 134a in. That's the whole reason for the kit is to handle the oil issue.
Also yes maaaaaanny years ago I was a mechanic. I do the conversions now for friends and their friends so I still do a few a year now. Also I have owned over 200 vehicles in my lifetime, car junky
EVERYTHING I own has a/c and it works. Cant live without a/c.
I think igloo made most of the kits I used. The purpose of the "kit" is to convert the oil over. Otherwise you would just put 134a in. That's the whole reason for the kit is to handle the oil issue.
Also yes maaaaaanny years ago I was a mechanic. I do the conversions now for friends and their friends so I still do a few a year now. Also I have owned over 200 vehicles in my lifetime, car junky
EVERYTHING I own has a/c and it works. Cant live without a/c.
i'll have to check into the igloo kits.
I doubt i'd own 200 cars in 10 lifetimes - I never had AC in a car until 1985 - new buick century.
#14
Melting Slicks
not sure I understand - do you have to purge the old oil from the system, or does the kit make everything compatible? from what I understand, you need to get 95% of the old stuff out before using PAG or ester oil - ???
i'll have to check into the igloo kits.
I doubt i'd own 200 cars in 10 lifetimes - I never had AC in a car until 1985 - new buick century.
i'll have to check into the igloo kits.
I doubt i'd own 200 cars in 10 lifetimes - I never had AC in a car until 1985 - new buick century.