My 91 is 2 lb low on R-12. I can add r-12 for $35/lb ($70 tot). For the same price, I can evacuate it, replace the orface tube and accumulator. I have the equipment to evacuate it at school and what not. Would this qualify as a proper conversion. I'd rathar not replace the compressor, as my budget is under $100. How do I get all the old oil out, will this happen with the evacuation? Is the oil that is in the new R-134 cans enough to lube the system properely? From reading the "Recomended GM procedure" I think that I should be ok with just replacing the accumulator and orface tube. What's your thoughts?

Thanks, Matt

 

I say stick with R-12. More efficient, not any worse for the environment (look it up, R134a is no better), and COLDER.

And no - that's not enough to convert. At best you'll have a mixed system.

 

as cold as R12 is, its getting very expensive to recharge.

I got quoted a 300 dollar recharge on the A/C when for the same amount I can have an entirely new A/C unit installed.

Right now my car doesn't have much of an a/c as far as I am concerned, there are them lucky days when I get good compression with the a/c and on some ugly days (like when the car is staying out in the sun for like 9-10 hours straight) I basically have no a/c at my disposal to the drive home or from home.

I would recharge on the R12 anymore, there's o getting around the fact that R12 is going to be not available anymore, I had an R134a system in my previous car and it was great, very cold, very strong blower, it cools you down within seconds. If you are a handyman at work I'd say try and get that R134a conversion kit and install the a/c yourself, I am going to do it within the next few months, my a/c maybe strong enough to last me the summer but during the cool winter days something is going to have to be done.

 

Well I converted it to 134. Replaced the Accumulator and the orifice tube. Great results, it was 80 degrees out, A/C was kicking out 34-35 degree air. Checked it with a couple thermometers to make sure it was accurate. So far so good. We'll see how the compressor holds up.

 

He is CORRECT. A proper 134 conversion costs MORE than a 12 refill, assuming your system is tight. Cross contamination of refrigerants is a worse problem for the environment. If you can stick with 12 use it, and make sure it is in fact 12. A lot of garages are using Freeze 12 saying it's 12. Check the drum and make sure it is Freon.

 

Not if you take the car and drain all the freon out like you're supposed to. I dont know what I am going to do as far as conversion or just a plain full out recharge. I'd like to reconvert it because its just going to be a hassle in the near future if I dont, but again I am still not sure I know how to do the conversion by myself.

 

Convert it!! . Have it evacuated by a shop and do the rest yourself. That's what I did. I'm very plaesed with my results.