Has anyone had there original A/C converted to 134a? If so how much?

 

Good question. I just fixed my A/C which hasn't been working for about 6 years and the cost was ugly. The entire system was clogged with gunk. Had to replace the drier/receiver and expansion valve, pull and flush the compressor and condensor. Maybe I would have been better to replace the whole system or buy a conversion kit?

 

conversion kit from walmart is like $30

 

DIY or pay for the job? I did it on my GSL and Im going back to R-12. Its not near as cold and the high head pressure worries me about the life of the compressor.

Anyway, You should replace the reciver drier, you need a vacuum pump to put the system back to vacuum b4 you recharge it. ANd a good flushing with the proper solvent will get rid of and crap in the system. I used to do commercial/residential AC when I was unemployed as an aircraft mechanic.

 

I'm having a hard time finding a belt to fit from the main pulley to the A/C compressor!

- Tech

 

As I came back to the office dripping with sweat after walking on rebar yesterday, I think I need to fix my A/C too. It's going to be 97 tomorrow here in Austin, and looks to be a hot, hot summer.

So, I pulled the compressor a while back. I figure I would conver to R134A. I plan on buying new compressor and new drier....what else do I need to buy? I figure I would install the stuff without connecting it up and then take it to a shop to fit the proper O-rings, clean it out, connect everything and check for leaks, and fill er up. Might save a little coin there.

What else do I need to buy?

Right on.

 

Tech Geek, theres 2 differnt stlyes of belts for PS and NON-PS cars. The compressor is located differently in the 2 types.

How do you know the compressor is bad brownmound? How long has the system been open to the atmosphere? Did you at least tape off the openings in the hoses? IF you can do it, stick with 12. The cars that do well in the 134 conversion have huge evaporators from the factory, and ours arent so it doesnt work near as well as 12.

 

No, I didn't tape any of the hose connections off....is that bad?

I don't know for sure that the compressor is bad but it's been sitting for over two years and I figured I would replace it if I am doing the conversion to 134a.

Where is the evaporator in the car? Is it possible to replace it with a bigger one?

Bottom line is, I want A/C....no, I NEED A/C. And I want to do it right, but I don't want to get ripped off. I don't mind taking it to a pro but I figured if I bought the parts myself I'd save some money. I figure I would just get the pro to get it all working.

Thanks Carl.

Right on.

 

I can get 54 degree air out of the center vents. All I did was pulled a vacuum on the system with a homemade pump(basically it is an old air compressor running in reverse with a much slower electric motor) I come from a farming family so we have all the toys, I put in what is called the 134a
conversion kit from wal-mart. I also know from experience that 134a needs more air coming through the condensor. The faster you went the colder the air. So I install a 12 inch electric pusher fan in front of the condensor and wired into the power to the compressor. This helps alot in town in traffic. I did not replace any o-rings or driers or anything. Maybe I got lucky. But a few years ago when 134a came out, all the John Deere dealers had a Special deal where they would convert your system for about 800 bucks. Now they do it the way I did. That is how I learned.