question about a '98 350 Vortec in my '76 C10

[maxreps]

I have all hard parts to do the swap but have an A/C question. I know that the compressor on the '98 engine is R134 and my '76 C10 is an R12 system. Question is.... if all R12 is evacuated out of the lines/condenser/etc could I connect the R134 compressor and use it? If not, does anyone have ideas how to keep A/C in my ol truck with the '98 engine? Thanks very much for any help or ideas...

Chris

[bnoon]

I'm not sure if the lines will bolt right up, but yeah, it will work. The important part is that any compressor, condensor, drier, etc. that was used with the old R12 will have small amounts of the old mineral oil left in it even after blown out. If you're converting those parts to use with R134, use Esther oil because it will mix with the old mineral oil without foaming (you can't use mineral oil with 134, it's not compatible).

If you use all new parts, you can use the PAG oil which is the newest and performs a bit better than the Esther (but PAG does not mix with mineral oil, so don't use PAG if old R12 parts are used).

I've converted several cars over to R134 with nothing more than new seals, the low side/high side adapters, and esther oil (along with the R134 of course). Just did my '86 Porsche from R12 to R134 a few months ago, blew at 43 degrees at the vents with no new "hard" parts.

[maxreps]

So there are adapters to connect the 1998 r134 compressor to the 1976 r12 system? (I think I can have the existing r12 lines, condensor, evaporator flushed)

Oh wait, you said "adapters".... prob meant the valves for servicing.

[bnoon]

Yes, the adapters I wrote of are the ones for the service ports. You can get the flexible lines made with the correct ends on them though. I know NAPA does custom lines at a few locations around here.

[maxreps]

ok great, I'd have never thought to ask anyone at a NAPA store! ...I will try that around here