Air Conditioning
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Beaverton, Oregon
I looked into the cheap retrofit kits, but eventually ended up just taking the plunge and doing the conversion the right way. I would have done it myself, but I did not have the equipment to evacuate the system, so I had to take it in.
About a grand all-told to get it over to 134a, complete with all new parts (and a new compressor because mine was flat-lined).
Of course YMMV, but it sure is nice to have a solid AC system when it starts getting hot out.
Dan Martin
1986 F350 Crewcab Dually, 460, C6
About a grand all-told to get it over to 134a, complete with all new parts (and a new compressor because mine was flat-lined).
Of course YMMV, but it sure is nice to have a solid AC system when it starts getting hot out.
Dan Martin
1986 F350 Crewcab Dually, 460, C6
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
mine is, I have done several and gotten away with it, just be certain that it says it has the additive for compatibility with r-12. Mine blows nice and cold, I'll be running through the pasture checking fence with the window down, blowing cool on me. I know that there are those that will argue this point, this is just my experience.
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,627
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From: West Valley Utah
I've used EnviroSafe on several vehicles and it works very good. The earliest year is 86, latest is 97. The 97 is my daughters Saturn that had a slow leak in the system. The larger molecules in the hydrocarbon refrigerant did not leak out like the R-12, it's still working after a year.
Evacuated my 86 Fiero and replaced with EnviroSafe and it does blow colder air. The surprising thing was their statement that it took less HP to compress. I took that statement with a grain of salt when I bought the stuff. You can feel and hear the difference. The car accellerates faster, idle does not bog down as much and it does get slightly better fuel milage.
I was impressed. Told my dad about it. He replaced the R-12 in his 35ft motorhome and the air is also colder now.
Kind of sounds like advertising for a product but the stuff does do what the advertising says it does, at least thats my experience. I have not put it in my 86 F250 4x4 (have a transplanted BT 5.9 cummins industrial) because it blows so dang cold with R-12 anyway.
Evacuated my 86 Fiero and replaced with EnviroSafe and it does blow colder air. The surprising thing was their statement that it took less HP to compress. I took that statement with a grain of salt when I bought the stuff. You can feel and hear the difference. The car accellerates faster, idle does not bog down as much and it does get slightly better fuel milage.
I was impressed. Told my dad about it. He replaced the R-12 in his 35ft motorhome and the air is also colder now.
Kind of sounds like advertising for a product but the stuff does do what the advertising says it does, at least thats my experience. I have not put it in my 86 F250 4x4 (have a transplanted BT 5.9 cummins industrial) because it blows so dang cold with R-12 anyway.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 56
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just did a conversion in my car. used a conversion kit, which consisted of two fittings and a hose.This is an r12 kit. Works fine, and the local a/c specialist said it is compatable with the old freon, but do not try mixing r 12 with the 134, as the oils are NOT compatable, and will cause dammage to the system
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
It would be fine, just don't put the kit into a system that hasR12 still in it. The kits are supposed to have additives to make them compatible to the oils in the system. Best (and only good) way to charge with the kits is to vac the system down before putting the kit in. This process removes air and water vapor from the system, as well as any remaining freon gas.
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New User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Foley, Alabama
Anybody know of a good source for "vacuum pumps"?
Anybody try those cheap "air powered" V. Pumps?
Harbor Frieght has those for $15. All the other new "electrics" are over $200.
I guess I'll check E-Bay.
Anybody try those cheap "air powered" V. Pumps?
Harbor Frieght has those for $15. All the other new "electrics" are over $200.
I guess I'll check E-Bay.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
Friend of mine told me to make one from a refrigerator or such, using the pump from them,. just have to get the fillings for the hoses. Thought I'd give it a try sometime. Right now, when I need to, I just have a local shop suck it down. Generally not too expensive.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,627
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From: West Valley Utah
Originally Posted by Meaux
Anybody know of a good source for "vacuum pumps"?
Anybody try those cheap "air powered" V. Pumps?
Harbor Frieght has those for $15. All the other new "electrics" are over $200.
I guess I'll check E-Bay.
Anybody try those cheap "air powered" V. Pumps?
Harbor Frieght has those for $15. All the other new "electrics" are over $200.
I guess I'll check E-Bay.
So yeah it worked as advertised. I would not recommend using one if you have a small compressor or less than about a 25 gallon tank as the compressor would have to run constant for 20-30 mins. I don't believe that would be to good on the cheaper direct drive Sears type compressor's, especially in the summer heat.
Last edited by mistakenID; Aug 3, 2004 at 08:39 AM.
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New User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Foley, Alabama
Thanks. I guess I'll have to check out more Pawn Shops and E-Bay because my new DeWalt compressor is only a 4 or 5 gal. compressor. I did find a used Robinaire 1/2 HP pump at a P. Shop for $95. I'll call him and make a $50 offer.