I am looking to retrofit my A/C system. It is currently a dry system with no R12 left in it. I picked up a retrofit kit that came with the new R-134a fittings and a 8oz bottle of synthetic ester oil. The guy that sold me the kit said that I would have to replace the accumulator make this work. The guy that sold me the car said it just needed to be charged because he drained the system to pull the motor out. So if my a/c components all work do I need to change the accumulator to do the retrofit, or can I just change the fittings add the refrigerant and be done?

 

The proper way would be to have the system evacuated completely and recharged with the new refrig. and oil........If you have shop air ( a compressor),and since u said your system is about "dry",you could buy an a/c flush from any parts store(Advance Auto carries two types)...and flush it, then recharge it.What happens when u mix the two different oils is the old R-12 type will find low spots and sit there ,until pulled or pushed out.It's best for your equiptment to do it properly....but I see tons of people adding the fittings and filling the system......

 

Sorry about that....forgot to say that if you don't have it flushed,or flush it yourself there will be residual oil left behind.....also for example,when you buy a new or remanufactured compressor ,the manufacturer will require the purchase of a new orifice tube,and accumulator/receiver-drier to approve a full warranty...this is so there is no cross contamination....so not a bad idea,if you can swing the new pieces so everything works properly.....hope this helps......

 

So basically, if I flush my current system completely, I can use my existing, compressor, accumulator, and orfice tube?

 

Yes........

 

My a/c is working again. I evacuated the flushed the system before refilling with R-134a, and its blowing ice cold air.

 

You'll be all set now.....cold is good.....lol.....over time ,you will have to recharge (once every season or two).....this is normal,just make sure your fittings stay snug....R134a is molecularly smaller than R12 and it leaks naturally........