liznmike

AC doesn't work good anymore. It still blows cool but in the heat of the day it's not keeping up as it should. I figure it's on it's way out. The guy at Advance Auto told me there is a new refrigerant coming out. I guess that's why the cost of 134a is on rise. He couldn't tell me what the new refrigerant will be so I figured someone here may have some good insight as to what's going on. I don't want to use 134a in my system if its going to be obsolete next summer. Thanks Mike

lduley

iTrader: (1)

Look in the 2nd gen section, or search for 152a, probably that

liznmike

10-4 thanks

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

You have a 1990 car. The original refrigerant was R12. If it's running 134a, it was converted, probably because R12 isn't being produced anymore and got really pricey. The only trouble with that as I understand it is that 134a is optimal in a higher pressure system than the old R12 compressor is designed for. So it doesn't get quite as cool as it would with R12.
I don't know about the new refrigerant. Some other things to try to help would be to make sure your condenser is clean, but it might be as good as it will get.

liznmike

My system was never converted to 134a. It still has the small R12 fittings and no sticker stating there has been a conversion. Are you saying that the 134a compressor is better than the R12 compressor because it compresses refrigerant to higher pressures? I thought compressors were all the same.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

From your first post I guessed that your system was converted from R12. It's common (mine has been) for the reasons stated...R12 is getting scarce and expensive. R134 isn't "better", it's just designed to run at a higher pressure than the R12 compressor was intended, so when the refrigerant is changed to R134 but with the R12 compressor, it's not optimized and it doesn't blow as cold as it should.
If you are still on the R12 but it's not as cold as it was, your system might simply be low on R12 refrigerant. Take it to a shop specializing in AC systems, have them check yours to determine if it is leaking and explore your options.

liznmike

Thanks Sgtblue. I think I will go with the (134a style compressor) If it works at higher pressures. I don't know much about AC but I hear that higher highs and lower lows mean colder air. (example) 300 psi on the high side and 30 on the low side would be colder than 200psi on high side and 30psi on the low side. Mike

liznmike

lduley suggested a thread about 152a. A new cheap refrigerant. I have started to read some of that and it's very interesting. Check it out.

lduley

iTrader: (1)

I did the 152a in my 07 grand marquis, works awesome

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

Getting ready to change out a bad compressor on my car. I'll have to look into the 152a. Any experience with how it works in the older R12 systems?

liznmike

Sgtblue I'm going to try the 152a in another car that I have like lduley did. It is an R12 system. If I can get some clarification on a few things I will order my parts ASAP and get on with the job. Jackhild59 really seems to know his stuff in this area. He has a post in the second generation specific section. Go there and and punch in 152a in the search box as lduley informed me and you will find more about the refrigerant

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

DC5Daniel

iTrader: (10)

Jack's massive thread is all about the success he's had with it on R12 and R134 systems, I haven't read a single complaint. He's also a professional in the field so he knows his stuff.

liznmike

10-4 Jack is a BAD A$$!

liznmike

I'm doing the 152a swap in my car. Waiting on parts right now. My friend already got his parts so I'm gonna do his first. Replacing condenser,compressor,dryer,and O-rings. All parts to be replaced are out. I also flushed all the lines with AC flush and blow them out with compressed air. Lubricated new O-rings and put lines back together. Raining so had to stop working. I'll get back on it later.