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06-22-2010, 11:47 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 53
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Converting A/C to R132a?
I last had working a/c in my truck many years ago, when I put in a new compressor and receiver/dryer, pulled a vacuum and charged the proper amount of oil and R-12. Worked great for about 9 months, then the compressor (a cheapie reman unit) leaked out the charge.
I would like to fix it again, hopefully with better results, converting to R132a. Other than a new compressor and receiver/dryer, what do I need to do to make the current system work with R132a? Edit: I guess I mean R134. Whatever refrigerant is commonly used these days. Last edited by Dooley Dude; 06-22-2010 at 11:56 AM. Reason: clarification |
06-22-2010, 12:20 PM | #2 |
Old Heap Driver
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newport News, Va
Posts: 2,640
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Re: Converting A/C to R132a?
I've talked to folks that have used this http://www.freeze12.com/ with very good results. The first thing to do is find the leak, probably need to replace the reciever dryer as well.
I've decided to go with a system from Vintage Air. By the time I round up and buy AC parts I'd be money ahead with a kit.
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_____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver. |
06-22-2010, 12:21 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Amherst VA
Posts: 150
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Re: Converting A/C to R132a?
Do you mean R134a?
You can just drain and flush the system and use a new dryer and orifice tube (check into the variable one) and it may work. For the best results it is recommended to change the hoses, dryer, and get a new pump and flush out the evaporator and condenser, I used alcohol. I changed over my large IH 886 tractor and 92 Chevy with these changes and have worked well for years. Some recommend a larger condenser but in my cases the original ones work fine. |
06-22-2010, 12:28 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 53
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Re: Converting A/C to R132a?
Does anyone know the precise location of the orifice tube?
I guess at this point, I'd be wise to replace the hoses as well. |
06-23-2010, 10:05 AM | #5 |
Insert Witty Text Here
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 3,415
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Re: Converting A/C to R132a?
The orifice tube on my '86 is in one of the aluminum tubes bolted to the passenger side fender. There is a connection that you open there that holds it. If it comes out looking dirty, you should flush the whole system. It works kind of like a filter, so if it is dirty, the whole system is contaminated.
Slonaker |
06-23-2010, 10:35 AM | #6 |
I really hate wet sanding!
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Brookfield, MO
Posts: 601
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Re: Converting A/C to R132a?
Orifice tube should be in the lower connection (evaporator) going into the hvac box. Break the connection (it is the smaller hose that runs from the evaporator to the condensor) and you will see it inside the lower evaporator tube, use needle nose pliers, kind of twist it while pulling on it and it should pop right out. I would recommend replacing it (about $3.00 or less) as well as the compressor, and the hoses. I bought an 134 retrofit kit which includes all the o rings as well as the 134 fittings. For what it's worth, I have heard both, that the R12 o rings are not compatible with the R134, just fir piece of mind I changed all them out to the R134 green colored o rings. Besides I am sure some of the old ones were bound to leak, just from their age. Now a days, even 134 is getting expensive!
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06-23-2010, 05:33 PM | #7 |
BAD BOW-Silverado XST
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX
Posts: 6,431
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Re: Converting A/C to R132a?
Don't forget the R134 semiparallel condensor.
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