Obviously it's summer now, and in the great "Land of Enchantment" (New Mexico) we're getting high 90's and up! My car hasn't had A/C since I bought it, and finally got to the point (heat wise where it's REALLY uncomfortable, as well as financially) to purchase a retrofit kit and go about converting to R134a and charging (as I know the system was empty of whatever was in there.

Ok, so I don't know if any PO's ever converted it over, but the system seemed to be clearly out of charge. The conversion kit came with the adapters so the R134a nozzle would fit on the older R12. However, the little pressure guage on the R134a kit goes straight into the "red" area as soon as I try and add any refridgerant, and following the "Charging proceedure" the air still blows hot!

I've read a few older threads, that suggested a few things here and there (like making sure the clutch is engaging, etc...). Any other opionions or thoughts, or otherwise help would be greatly appreciated. I'd prefer to be able to "fix" this myself as paying for a service shop to fix it, which I'm sure will not be even remotely close to cheap, is out of the question.

 

Is the front of the compressor spinning while you are charging it? If it's empty you may have to hot wire the compressor to get it to run and take in the charge

 

I will have to check that...thanks!

 

I wouldn't bother converting to R134. For A/C you need a good mechanic who knows R-12. That is the hardest part. I wouldn't even think of messing with it myself. There is a replacement for R-12 called "Freeze-12" which you can find on E-bay. It is more expensive now, but you should be able to find some for under $20/can.
If your compressor is shot (your trusted mechanic will tell you), you can get a new (not remanufactured) one for under $200. I got mine at the local advance-auto here in VA, but Pep Boys should be able to order it too.
My new setup has worked pretty well in 90+ heat plus VA's miserable 175% humidity.. It should work in NM too, even though you are probably above 4,000 ft elevation and thus the UV rays bake everything in your car (I know, I've been there)

Get a new compressor if you need one and have your mechanic install the Freeze-12. You can probably get it done for under $400.

 

I recharged my caprice with R-406a (autofrost) and it worked well. It's a drop in for R-12 and was cheaper than R-134 last time I bought it. No conversions with oils, etc. necessary. I originally retrofit the A/C with R-134, and for a short time it blew a wimpy cold, but then broke, because the oils aren't compatible, and despite cleaning out the system, it didn't take well. The condensers on the older cars just aren't big enough to allow sufficient cooling with R-134 systems. Good luck.

 

Hi. I had a dealer convert my car to R134 (I probably got ripped off) back in 2005.

 

First you should not recharge 134a yourself. The charge has to go in vacumed system (no air in system). If there is air in the system 134a becomes acid and eats all the seals up. You should replace all the Orings, orifice (spend the money get one for sever temps 35.00)replace dryer reciever.
On the dryer reciever you see a connector (its lower pressure switch) unplug it and put a paper clip in the connector, connecting the wires you just unpluged. Your compressor should go on.
If you really want to do it yourself use ES-12a (you have to buy it on line). Its a stright dropin for 12 or 134 system. Its works with any oil and is safe. Our systems use 3 cans. It does not require 0 vacum so stright install. I have done 4 systems with it and works great. I would say its as good as 12 or better. I have 38-44 temps out of the ducks. The kit cost about 47.00 to your door. Get the oil checker .97 each(get 3) to see if you need to add oil to system. Don't get the industrial one, our systems can't cool down the stuff with our condensers. Don't over charge the a/c will run hotter.

 

Don P, Unplug the plug on the top of the compressor and note which pins the two wires go. Green to pos, black to neg. With engine running run jumper wires from the battery and have the AC set to max cool and you can charge since the compressor clutch should now be spinning. That's how mine worked, but it had not been empty for very long. You may need other work done first