Had the car into the shop this morning for a wheel alignment. I asked them to check the AC system as it doesn't work.
He told me I need a R12 to 134A conversion kit. Can anyone elaborate on this or is it necessary or are they just missing something? Maybe they are not familiar with the older Cars AC systems?
Thanks

 

R12 has been taken off the market R134 kit is just a fitting change and you can get the fittings at any parts store. The correct way to do it is remove the R12 evacuate the A/C system and change the oil in the system and compressor for the R134

Regardless, when switching from R12 to R134a you need to change the accumulator/dryer anyway because the desiccant used to absorb moisture in an R12 system isn't compatible with R134a. You should also put about 2 oz of oil in the accumulator/dryer before you install it. The remaining 2-4 oz of oil should be put into the lines

 

On a GM G Body -Monte Carlo here is the list I had-$150 Four Seasons rebuilt compressor
$ 20 High-pressure cut-out switch (not required if you don't destroy your old one)
$ 6 New orifice tube - orifice tube assembly gm #3033879, AC Delco #15-5151
$35 Accumulator gm #2724877, AC Delco # 15-1681 (should be painted black prior to installation)

Hope this helps

 

Perfect thanks a lot. So I am pretty sure the compressor is ok and the clutch spins properly so shouldn't have to replace that.
I will give him that parts list and see what he says!

 

I believe that GM has a TSB floating around that covers conversions of cars of our vintage.

When I converted my Acura, I followed Honda's TSB (most all vehicle conversions are similar). I ordered their kit but after thinking about it, I went and did the conversion without it. Honda's procedure was to add 4oz. of PAG oil, evacuate and re-charge using about 80% of the R12 charge weight.

I didn't change or replace anything else. I left the mineral oil (that R12 requires) in the system.

On a 90-degree day with 35% humidity I get 36-degree air out of the vents.

These easy kinds of conversions assumes that the compressor hasn't blown its guts out and the system is already leak-free.

BTW, the Honda kit contained a 4oz. can of PAG oil, high/low side conversion fittings, some red Loctite and stickers.

 

how much r134 does it take to recharge the system?

 

Fisher auto parts carries the conversion kit, and also whatever the amount of R12 the system takes, you are supposed to take 10% off that since R134A is higher density or something(possible i said that backwards), the guy at pep boys was explaining it. I ended up just taking my car to Meineke and they did the conversion, installed the retrofit, charged the system, found the leak, and charged it again for $175. Pep boys wanted $200 for the charging plus $50 for each leak that they found, and they wouldn't touch the car with R12 in the system.

If you need the Retro Fit kit for our cars, Federated Auto has it, mine cost 34.99 with the O-Rings and oil included I believe, but i returned it since Meineke did the whole job for a great price. Just give them a call.

 

i had a shop change mine over for $100 he just evacuated the system added oil and orings then charged it up i didnt replace anything else and it has worked for over 10 years till my compressor seal let go and had to put a new compressor on