81 Malibu A/C system rebiuld

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81msw79

Master Mechanic
May 5, 2013
391
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roselle park , nj
I am looking into converting my ac system from r12(long gone from system) to r134. i am looking at the kit from rock auto that includes compressor, pag 150 oil,o-rings, orifice tube and the dryer/accumulater with all the metal pipes. can my evaporator, lines and condensor be flushed or will i need to replace these items? They are original to the car. Unfortunetly I dont know anywhere in nj to recharge system with r12. Also what other steps will need to be followed to properly recharge the system?how much oil do i use and how much refrigerant. kit i am looking at uses the R4 style compressor like i currently have. i have seen people commenting issues of poor performance unless at highway speed, compressor running super hot. Not sure if this normal after converting system or if some recharge errors were made. i will link kit below i am looking into purchasing.

 

TURNA

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Jul 24, 2009
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When its time to fill it bring it to a decent shop.

It should only cost around 100 or 125 to do.

The reason I say this is because you must evacuate the system.

If you dont have an electric vacuum pump you cant do this.
 

airboatgreg

Comic Book Super Hero
Oct 2, 2016
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Easy changeover if you do it right. Evaporater and condenser can be flushed. In all honesty I would replace the evaporator if it is original as the R134 molecules are smaller and will leak easier. Also a good time to replace the heater core as you are right there. I would use an AC Delco evaporator core. The system holds a total of 10 ounces of oil. 6 will go into the accumulator, 2 in the condenser and 2 in the evaporator core. Turna is spot on with his advice but make sure the vacuum pump is an electric one. I have never seen an air one boil water. When was the vacuum pump oil changed? That retains the moisture boiled out of the HVC system. Make sure you drain the oil out of the new compressor. If all done properly I doubt you will see a difference between the R12 and R134. If you have fan issues make sure you use a quality temperature controlled one. Do not use a flex fan.
 

81msw79

Master Mechanic
May 5, 2013
391
124
43
roselle park , nj
car will have dual 12" spal fans each rated for 1840cfm. should be plenty of air pulled through the condensor and radiator. I do plan to bring to a shop as i dont have any ac tools. I will need a second bottle of the pag 150 oil as the kit only comes with 8 bottle. Cannot find anything for an AC Delco brand evaporator. GM parts direct has the part number as discontinued. The Four Seasons branded one seems to be sold by rock auto and almost all the major parts stores. Heater core is good insurance while in there. good time to do a good vacuum and wipe down of the inside of the hvac box too,
 
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