1985 C4 r12 or r134A?
05-24-2018, 04:43 PM
#1
1985 C4 r12 or r134A?
Recently inherited a 85 C4. The A/C dosen't work, I'm assuming it needs charged (blows hot air a compressor turns). But now I'm getting conflicting reads about Refrigerant, mine takes R12 and since that's not made anymore i have to use R134A, I just got a price of $1500.00 to $2000.00 to change the compressor, lines, and etc. over to work with R134A. But now I'm reading there's conversion kits for as low as $30.00. Some people say yea, some nea?
Last edited by Terry85; 05-24-2018 at 04:44 PM.
05-24-2018, 04:47 PM
#2
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
IDK anything about a $30 conversion....that sounds questionable to me. $1000 and up sound more like what I'd expect.
HERE is one option.
HERE is one option.
05-24-2018, 05:08 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Nov 2013
Location: Greater Cincinnati Area.
Posts: 3,451
Received 335 Likes
on
295 Posts
I just did this to my 85 not long ago.. DO THIS..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594932215
It's a little more than 30 bucks (I probably have 75 or so in mine.. Maybe a little more?) but it is done right and works great.
That guide JoeC posted explains EVERYTHING in great detail, because it's about more than just changing the refrigerant to 134. There's an orifice tube change and a PSI switch adjustment, at a minimum. Probably a lube change too. You can get it all on Amazon as a package deal. I think I paid like 40 bucks or so for it all?
If you can vac it down and you have (or can rent or borrow) a set of gauges, and reasonable handy skills, it's a piece of cake..
There is also something called "R12A" touted as a replacement, but it's kinda flammable and it scared me. I'd do the 134, imo.
Short thread here: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-using-it.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594932215
It's a little more than 30 bucks (I probably have 75 or so in mine.. Maybe a little more?) but it is done right and works great.
That guide JoeC posted explains EVERYTHING in great detail, because it's about more than just changing the refrigerant to 134. There's an orifice tube change and a PSI switch adjustment, at a minimum. Probably a lube change too. You can get it all on Amazon as a package deal. I think I paid like 40 bucks or so for it all?
If you can vac it down and you have (or can rent or borrow) a set of gauges, and reasonable handy skills, it's a piece of cake..
There is also something called "R12A" touted as a replacement, but it's kinda flammable and it scared me. I'd do the 134, imo.
Short thread here: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-using-it.html
05-24-2018, 10:46 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Recently inherited a 85 C4. The A/C dosen't work, I'm assuming it needs charged (blows hot air a compressor turns). But now I'm getting conflicting reads about Refrigerant, mine takes R12 and since that's not made anymore i have to use R134A, I just got a price of $1500.00 to $2000.00 to change the compressor, lines, and etc. over to work with R134A. But now I'm reading there's conversion kits for as low as $30.00. Some people say yea, some nea?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ID-Quest-...&wl13=&veh=sem
Still blows cold
Last edited by Cruisinfanatic; 05-24-2018 at 10:47 PM.
05-26-2018, 02:33 PM
#5
Safety Car
If you are not familiar with A/C tools and recharging systems hire somebody to do it for you.
The conversion kit and the new drier were less than $50 and I had cans of R134 on hand. The conversion kit came with the correct parts and well written instructions. I did my first Corvette Conversion when my 1988 Coupes A/C was not blowing cold. The whole process took me longer as I wanted to learn how to ensure I had no leaks at all. It held vacuum for a good while so I then installed the R134. It has been blowing colder than it ever has since I did the conversion. They say R134 is not as efficient as R12 was but I can't tell. I did clean the systems out per the instructions and install the new drier before re-charging the system.
I did not replace anything other than the drier, R134 and PAG oil and the two new fittings that go on the existing lines. Ever since I did that the system works great.
You do not have to pay for new compressors or any other major components IF your system was working properly before.
Having my own vacuum pump makes a huge difference, instead of waiting 30 minutes after pulling vacuum I let mine sit for 24 hours. Do yourself a BIG favor, don't buy a Venturi style Vacuum pump, they use a lot of air pressure to pull a solid 28 inches of vacuum. Get the right tool and you will save a ton of time.
Good Luck getting the cold air to start flowing out again!
The conversion kit and the new drier were less than $50 and I had cans of R134 on hand. The conversion kit came with the correct parts and well written instructions. I did my first Corvette Conversion when my 1988 Coupes A/C was not blowing cold. The whole process took me longer as I wanted to learn how to ensure I had no leaks at all. It held vacuum for a good while so I then installed the R134. It has been blowing colder than it ever has since I did the conversion. They say R134 is not as efficient as R12 was but I can't tell. I did clean the systems out per the instructions and install the new drier before re-charging the system.
I did not replace anything other than the drier, R134 and PAG oil and the two new fittings that go on the existing lines. Ever since I did that the system works great.
You do not have to pay for new compressors or any other major components IF your system was working properly before.
Having my own vacuum pump makes a huge difference, instead of waiting 30 minutes after pulling vacuum I let mine sit for 24 hours. Do yourself a BIG favor, don't buy a Venturi style Vacuum pump, they use a lot of air pressure to pull a solid 28 inches of vacuum. Get the right tool and you will save a ton of time.
Good Luck getting the cold air to start flowing out again!