Did the whole R-12 to 134A conversion last night...The first thing I noticed was that my compressor started making more noise..I figured this was just due to the higher pressure in the system...

Well, I decided to check the system pressure today and it was a little low...So I got an extra can and started filling..I figured a half Can should do...then BAM!...The whole thing Nuked...

Dammit...

I did all the proper steps...I had the R-12 removed...I switched to the correct oil..and I didn't overfill the system...

I should have just gotten some black market R-12...I knew where to get some, but I wanted to do things right...

Anyone have similar experiences?

 

no but i have a perfect a/c compressor i can sell you make an offer

 

I dont know that it is the compressor yet...Might just be a hose...I'll have to see....

 

I have heard that the older A/C compressors are not completely compatible with the newer R-134 refrigerant.

 

Did you replace the dryer?






P.S. Hey blu_gxl, That avatar is SIIIIICK, I love it!

 

Nope...Was I supposed to?

 

Yup, Even though they take out all the R12, most of the old oil stays in the dryer, so you have to replace it.

Once you get a new compressor, or find what blew, make sure to replace the dryer, before you flush and charge the system again with R134A and R134A oil (if you decide to try again with R134A).

Good Luck,
Salguod

88 Turbo II
Melbourne, FL

 

Thanks Sal...I just wished I would have asked for advice before today!...

 

Well, Hopefully it will just be a hose or something cheap that failed.

Anyway, you might want to do a search on R134. There were a few threads not to long ago about R134A conversions. Some of the things said on them are pretty funny, but the info from the professional AC guys is pretty good.

I've done a few R134A conversions over the past 6 years, and haven't had any problems with any of them (knock on wood). RX7 wise, I converted my 88 Turbo II over to R134A about 2 years ago, and it has been fine.

Good Luck Again...

 

do the 2 coolants screw with eachother or something?

 

Yes, from what I have read the oils are not compatible.

Two things happen. First the two oils combine to form a gel like goo, which in large amounts can clog the expansion valves and blow compressors. The second is that the combination of the two oils (the same goo) is also a corrosive, so even if the amount isn't enough to clog things up, over time it can eat away at the compressor seals (again destroying the compressor).

Its very important to get out as much of that old oil as possible.

With all the cars I have converted, I have removed all the lines, blown everything I could out with compressed air, and then put them back on with new R134A O-rings (In addition to replacing the dryers). Once everything is back together, I hook up a vacuum pump to get out all the air (and check for leaks). Only after all that to I put in the new oil charge and R134A.

Later,
Salguod

 

R134 is incompatible with the mineral oil used in the compressor. Every last drop must be removed and replaced with synthetic oil. A proper flush is required, and you really can't do this properly at home. Get it done professionally this time.

 

Yep, exact same thing happened to me when I went to 134. So now I use Freeze 12 in the system. The high side hose blew up while I was driving. Scared the **** outta me..