Huntervf
Bored now
Ok, I just completed a converstion on my 89, from R-12 to R-134. I wanted to post my experience here since I did things a little differently then most.
First off, I work for a dealership, so I have access to a standard AC machine...I know that helps but this info may still be of some use even if you're using the autozone conversion. Whereas people say you're supposed to replace the accumulator when doing the conversion, I didn't and thus far everything as been ok. Also, we've done several R-12 to R-134 conversions at work now and we haven't replaced the accumulator/dryer on any of them. The oldest conversion was done a year ago, and that car is still blowing cold.
For our conversions all we do is install the R-134 ports, replace O-rings, and run compressed air through the lines while they're all disconnected. This obviously REALLY cleans the lines and thus far we've had no troubles in keeping the original accumulator/dryer.
Now, I want to mention that in every conversion we've done, the AC system as been very dead, with absolutely zero charge left in the system. In the case of my 89, the AC hasn't worked for at least 2 years. So for those doing a conversion with an R-12 charge left in your system (even a small one) this may not work.
But for those whose AC system is absolutely dead, I would say you don't necessarily need to change the accumulator...do the converstion, get the lines good and clean, charge it up and see how it works...you can always change the accumulator later if need be. And with R-134 being so cheap (I just paid $3.00/lb at work) you won't be out much $$$ at all.
<small>[ June 09, 2002, 01:35 PM: Message edited by: Huntervf ]</small>
First off, I work for a dealership, so I have access to a standard AC machine...I know that helps but this info may still be of some use even if you're using the autozone conversion. Whereas people say you're supposed to replace the accumulator when doing the conversion, I didn't and thus far everything as been ok. Also, we've done several R-12 to R-134 conversions at work now and we haven't replaced the accumulator/dryer on any of them. The oldest conversion was done a year ago, and that car is still blowing cold.
For our conversions all we do is install the R-134 ports, replace O-rings, and run compressed air through the lines while they're all disconnected. This obviously REALLY cleans the lines and thus far we've had no troubles in keeping the original accumulator/dryer.
Now, I want to mention that in every conversion we've done, the AC system as been very dead, with absolutely zero charge left in the system. In the case of my 89, the AC hasn't worked for at least 2 years. So for those doing a conversion with an R-12 charge left in your system (even a small one) this may not work.
But for those whose AC system is absolutely dead, I would say you don't necessarily need to change the accumulator...do the converstion, get the lines good and clean, charge it up and see how it works...you can always change the accumulator later if need be. And with R-134 being so cheap (I just paid $3.00/lb at work) you won't be out much $$$ at all.
<small>[ June 09, 2002, 01:35 PM: Message edited by: Huntervf ]</small>
