I am planning to convert my 84 t/a to r134a just wondering how many of you have had luck with it. I have done several conversions and some work well, and some just aren't as cold. never done a 3rd gen before. Seems like if the compressor has some mileage it dosen't do as well with the conversion.

 

I've done a few of them.. Just replace all of the o-rings, get a new accumulator and use the blue ford orifice tube (provides better performance). Also make sure to adjust the clutch cycling switch down to around 19-20 psi on the low side for the R134... Granted, this is assuming the compressor is in good shape and you don't find any surprises when you get the old orifice tube out..

 

When my original AC went out 2 years ago, I just bought a replacement compressor (seized) and recharged the system. Been working perfectly since that time.

Fortunately the VBelt Compressors are pretty cheap if you need one. My factory one went out at 50,000 miles.

 

my compressor has 64,000 on it. have not had the ac running [just bought the car] but system holds a vacume was yours as cold as it was with r12?

 

I'm in the process now of converting my 1975 Monte Carlo to R-134. Here's my tale so far. I started off with a fried compressor (A 6) variety. Bought a rebuilt one for $125. Also, my system was the V.I.R. setup, so I bought a kit to eliminate it and convert it to an orfice tube setup. $125 more, but got some good advice to go along with it, but that's for later. Anyway, I needed a new fitting for the hose connector for the accumulator. Got that installed free o'charge, but it turned out to be the wrong fitting. Will return said hose to shop tomorrow for the proper fitting. Everything else is coming together smoothly. Now for the advice from the feller at the shop. He explained to me that the amount of R-134 required is about 65% of the required amount of R12. He says add R134 until the return line to the compressor gets cold, then stop. If you add too much R 134, the system will not cool well. Will report on that after I finish the job this weekend.

Cheers,
Tim sends

 

Alright, so I'm a bit of a moron. The fitting was correct, I was just a little impatient... Anyway I finished the job and it turned out well. A couple hiccups notwithstanding, I now have cool air before the temps start hitting 112.
The old Schrader valve core on the high side came out in pieces, so I spent a half hour cleaning the fitting and the hose. After I installed the new one and got the engine started, I started loading the R134 into the system. Lo and behold, the valve leaked and sprayed oil all over the curbside inner fender. Got the valve to seal, added about 2 1/2 lbs of r134 and all is well. No leaks, no other problems. Hope it works all summer. It's flippin' hot in Phoenix in August.

Tim sends

 

Thanks for all the info I replaced the orifice tube pulled a vacume on the system and charged it with the proper amount 80% of the original r12 amount which is the info I got from several sources. now my compressor seems to cycle a lot how do I set the cycling switch?? just not as cold as it should be.

 

There is a screw on the switch on the accumulator (visible once the connector is removed). You should adjust this switch so it cycles at about 19-20 psi on the low side (as opposed to 25-26 for R12)...

The other alternative is to buy a retrofit clutch cycling switch that is already preset for R134.