A/C R134a retrofit problem;

NO ROOM TO CONNECT CHARGING HOSE AFTER ADAPTOR HAS BEEN INSTALLED.

I’ve stumbled over a problem while trying to convert my ‘85GLS (12a) with a Wal-Mart R-134a retrofit kit (Interdynamics brand). I've had great luck with these kits so far, I’ve converted two older vehicles (GM and Dodge) already and the AC has never worked better.
First of all, please correct me if I’m wrong, the service ports on the 7 are right on top of the compressor, correct?
From looking at the system I’m guessing the low-pressure port is on the left (when looking at the back of the compressor, and is closest to the side of the car (driver’s side)) and the high-pressure port is on the right, is this correct?
Well, I screwed the adapter onto the low-pressure port. It screwed on just fine. The problem occurs when I try to attach the charging hose. There just isn’t room. The adjustment bracket for adjusting belt tension is in the way.
It sounds like many people have used this kit on the 7, however, no one has mentioned this problem. I’m hoping someone can help me out . . .thanks,
Matt

 

I have the exact same problem, dont feel alone. What I did was disconnect that bracket to charge it, then put it back on after. Sounds stupid, but I couldnt think of a better way.

Oh and from what Ive seen this only affects cars with p/s. On non p/s cars, they use a different compressor.

 

There are 90° adapters available, but you will probably not fing them at a discount place.

Kerry

 

I did the half-assed kit from Walmart too on my '88 SE. No access problems on that car. I call it half-assed, because in reality, you should remove the reciever dryer and replace it and all the o-rings and get the R-12 oil out too. I used two cans of R-134a in the kit, and one can of ester oil and it was plenty cold now for a month now.

 

I had to bend that line out of the way to get at the fittings, even then it was a tight fit.

 

well i don't know if we have the same kit, but my connecting hose has a blue plastic collar that slides over it to lock it in place and thats what was hitting the metal bracket. I ended up shaving down that collar at 2 points with a knife, almost down to nothing, until it finally fit into place. I did this just a few days ago, worked great. good luck.

 

I used my R12 manifolds with one of those clamp on the side carge adapters and charged it up. It looked like an r12 set up with 134 in it . The retro fit worked OK until it got to be 100 deg. out side then it sucked in traffic I switched it back now it blows Ice Cubes.

 

i just did a friends 85 -se and the ports are on the top front of the compresser and the ajustment bracket is right there also. so i got 90 Deg fittings, i had to remove the bracket install the fittings and reinstall the bracket. and FYI his was odd. the high and low pressure have the same size lines 7/16 i think i know its not the 3/8's i had to special order the high fitting NOBODY stocked the high in a 90 with the 7/16 pipe.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I think I'll try to look for those 90 degree fittings. If that doesn't work I'll use the Dremel to grind the collor down on the charging hose.
Thanks,
Matt

 

About the 90 degree fittings . . .
Did you buy R-12 fittings or R-134a fittings??
In other words, Did you attach a R-12 90-degree fitting directly to the compressor then added the R134a adapter . . . or did you attach the R-134a adapter to the compressor first then added a R-134a 90-degree fitting??
Thanks!!
Matt