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The subject has come up here more than once so I thought I'd share my experience converting away from the stock York compressor to a Sanden with R134a. I wanted to keep the stock A/C but after 2 leaking rebuilt pumps and big bucks for the R12 I had had enough.
So I put the stage 1 kit from Original air on and it works great. everything fit great and it took me about 2 hours to install with no problems at all. $560 for the kit seems pretty reasonable too.
No. I've converted R12 systems with R134a on farm equipment and never had a problem. some were over 10 years ago and still working. it won't cool quite as well but given the cost of R12 it's good enough. This kit came with the compressor, brackets , drier and hoses but you can get new everything if you want.
It's only a matter of time until everyone has to do some sort of conversion. this seems the most logical to me .
So what is the issue with the original A/C compressor and r134a? I was planning on doing a conversion on mine and was pretty content with all the factory components... was getting set to pull a vacuum on the system this weekend and refill with r134. All seals were changed and o-rings, flushed system with acetone, have a new dryer en route. Dumped out mineral oil from compressor and replaced with ester oil (8 oz).
The piston type pump will work with R134a, but not as well as a Sanden compressor. I'm not really sure why but this is what the A/C guys say, I assume it's because of the higher pressures.
The conversion is as much about the compressor itself as it is the refrigerant. while my York compressors have been covered under warranty the hundreds of dollars in R12 and my time haven't. is the 3rd time the charm ? I decided not to find out. plus the Sanden is more efficient and doesn't pound like the York.
If there is a quality York replacement made I couldn't find it, Chinese junk new ones and 3rd world remans seem to be all you can buy. I'm just over it.
R-12 is definitely a no go for me... to cost prohibitive. And at some point it isn't going to be available. Ergo, r134 is what is going in, plus I can have a case sitting around for 4 bucks a bottle at any given time. No brainer.
Try it and see how it works. you can always convert to a rotary compressor later.
My main point is if you need a new compressor anyway this conversion is probably the way to go. I kind of wish they had put in a binary switch that's my only complaint. I could have requested a drier with the provision I'm sure but it seems like they would have included it. but it works as is.
Try it and see how it works. you can always convert to a rotary compressor later.
My main point is if you need a new compressor anyway this conversion is probably the way to go. I kind of wish they had put in a binary switch that's my only complaint. I could have requested a drier with the provision I'm sure but it seems like they would have included it. but it works as is.
The beauty of your system is all the bracketry that is included. That is really appealing as there is no fab work... how did it all fit up? Looks quality.
My problem is my original AC bracket and idler were missing. Without the idler the belt squeals madly. I can never find one, but if someone wants to point me to one that would be great.
The idler it just to reduce the belt slap from the piston pump. do you mean the tensioner ? that you can get from any parts house. if you need any brackets that will have to be off ebay or something.
I tried to have the local A/C shop do a sanden compressor on my 1975 and they said they could not get the bracket and pulley to line up so I just had them do a york style.
Anyone know what the difference might be between 73-75 and 76-79? I'd think they're the same pulley and bracket wise.
The idler it just to reduce the belt slap from the piston pump. do you mean the tensioner ? that you can get from any parts house. if you need any brackets that will have to be off ebay or something.
Yes, the tensioner. I haven't found one for an FE... and I've looked, but maybe in the wrong places?
I bought a couple tensioners from O'Riellys a couple years ago for this rig and my '79. I remember they were gold cad so I had to paint them black. the FE takes the same one as the 460 or 335 series.
The compressor sat upright rather than on it's side pre-1976 I believe. but Original Air has a note that the earlier years kit is available . there must be a reason they don't list it so if you're interested you may have to call.
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