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A/C compressor

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nc4wd

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Putting in a new A/C compressor because the old one bit the bullet. Question is, are the new ones updated for R134A even tough they are an old design? I know R12 was designed to use mineral oil for a lubricant and R134a uses PAG.
 
unless you know exactly what your doing you better read or let the pros do it. there is a lot more than just swapin the comp after a dead one blows its guts. and new req specific amount of oil in the unit or first fireup will kill it. and so on and so forth.
 
"blown up" compressors is alot of work, whole system needs cleaned & flushed and a few other parts need replacing as well other than the compressor.
 
Replacing just the compressor and putting R134a in is not going to work. The compressor will fail again in short order.

To do the conversion right you have to completely flush the entire system and replace several parts. This means undoing every connection, pulling out the orifice tube, flushing each line as well as the evaporator with the appropriate solvent, and replacing EVERY o-ring with one which is compatible with synthetic refrigerant lube. The orifice tube and accumulator will need to be replaced as well as purchasing conversion fittings. For the fittings go to Napa and get the CAD plated steel fittings. The cheapo aluminum fittings in most stores don't last. Also, and this is the MOST important part, you must replace the condenser with an updated version. There are two types to look at...parallel flow (the best) and picollo. The PF condenser will be a universal part so you will have to make mounts and hoses for it. The picollo will be a direct bolt in. Do not replace the condenser with a stock tube-in-fin. They don't have the capability to effectively run R134a. Oh, and you will need to get some PAG or Ester oil for the system.

I just did all this on my 1990 Suburban (w/ rear air) and it works great. I've also done this conversion to many other vehicles. When done properly, each conversion has been an excellent performer.

Kevin

P.S. One more thing, DO NOT EVER USE THE "UNIVERSAL" CONVERSION KITS YOU SEE IN STORES. THEY WILL DESTROY THE COMPRESSOR!
 
I rebuilt my AC a few months ago. I bought almost everything from NAPA, and everything was rated for use in R12 and R134A. Works perfect, I bought some AC Flush that NAPA stocks on the shelf, follow the directions, and be careful with it, works great but it's some nasty stuff. Wear gloves and goggles!!! I bought a $14.99 vacuum pump from harbor freight, it worked great, but you better have a big air compressor to run it. I spent about $500 to replace everything and buy all the chemicals and refrigerant and tools, it was well worth it. It's not as hard as guys make it sound, just do your research, and take your time... It took me 1/2 a day to tear everything down and rebuild, but it I spent a few weeks studying up and collecting all the parts and tools. Take your time and you'll be fine!
 
I have done hundreds of R12 to R134a conversions with nothing more than a pair of conversion couplers.

Martin
 
Sure, if the compressor is in good shape and the system isn't leaking... I've done it too, but since his compressor dumped a ton of crap when it took a $hit, that would be a huge waste of several hundred dollars...
 
Nope, I have replaced hundreds of compressors without doing anything else. I am not saying it is a bad thing to flush, and upgrade, but it is NOT AS necessary as many would lead you to believe.

Martin
 
I have said to replace the condensor to a new style when converting to 134a before, but I believe that primarily applies to people in the hotter parts of the country, like here in Phoenix or Vegas, or desert areas, whatever. In the not so hot climates I'm sure the old R-12 condensors probably work good, but here in Phoenix, they just don't cool the freon down as well in the extreme heat and therefore, they don't cool the interior as well.

It DOES work fine while driving down the highway, at constant higher speeds, but in city traffic, it just turns into a swam cooler at best and overheats the compressor, which shortenes it's life.

The '94 I have is setup from the factory with everything needed for the 134a and it stays cool all the time, even while idling, same with this '05 Avy I've been driving for the past several months, but when I had the old style "R-12" condensor in the Burb, it would not cool while idling very well.

I did buy a new condensor designed for the 134a freon and installed it in the Burb a few years back, but the compressor decided to spring a seal leak while filling it up, so I gave up on it till adequate money is available for a brand new one.

The new condensor only ran me about $125 or so, I personally don't think that's too much to toss at it for a much better working AC system.

just my opinion. :D
 
It DOES work fine while driving down the highway, at constant higher speeds, but in city traffic, it just turns into a swam cooler at best and overheats the compressor, which shortenes it's life

The new condensor only ran me about $125 or so, I personally don't think that's too much to toss at it for a much better working AC system.

just my opinion. :D[/quote]

times two on your wise opine :waytogo:
 
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