AC questions

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1972cutlass

Greasemonkey
Aug 24, 2009
111
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I put in a new ac compressor, accumulator,and orifice tube in my car and i want to put r134 because its a lot cheaper then R12 and when you convert to R134 i dont think you cant use pag oil 150 thats only for R12. I think its called ester oil or something like that. Does any one know how much R134 freon to put in a 86 cutlass on this forum i found 3.25 cans and if any one know how much oil and what type it is and where you can get it. Also do i need to pre oil the compressor some how.
 
I did it awhile back. You do use PAG oil with R134a. I can't remember which I used (150 or 130 or whatever). I think I read use 150 with the R4 compressors but I am not sure now.

You pour a bit into the compressor, mount it, hook it up and rotate it by hand like 10 times in the correct direction to clear the oil. Once it's sealed up you pump it down and you are ready to start. I used a little over 3 cans to fill mine. Fill it to about 35-40 psi on the low side, depending on outside temperature. Watch the high side pressure, too. It should be around 250 psi, also depending on temp and how much you add. Those aren't exact number, just ball park. You should feel one of the ac lines being cool back to the compressor if it is working right. I don't remembe how much oil. It should be in your manual, though, as well as all of these details.
 
I been doing some research on this and there is some conflicting information out there for sure. The consensus seems to be that PAG oil is the ideal choice for R134A, which is what is being used by most OEMs. The problem is that PAG oil is not compatible with the mineral oils used in R12, so you must completely flush your system if using PAG. Ester oil can also be used for R134 conversions, and is compatible with the older mineral oils, so many people choose ester if they are not willing or able to completely flush the old oil.

Some useful links are below. The EPA link is a great article that explains the various concerns when converting. Many of the old assumptions, like having to change all of your hoses, have been found to be unnecessary.

The turbobuick link shows several different approaches to the conversion. Everything from complete replacement to some guys just throwing in some R134 and ester oil and going down the road.

Regarding the proper amount of R134a, you'll find your answers in the articles. You really need gauges to do it right.

One other consideration is around orifice tubes. Some people use the stock tube, some use Ford tubes, etc. Another option is to use a variable orifice tube, which supposedly adjusts to provide max efficiency at idle as well as highway speeds. These are about 20 bucks.

Hope this helps.

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/technicians/retrguid.html

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/airconditioning/R12toR134a.html

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/ge...19330-r-12-r-134a-conversion-turbo-buick.html
 
I just used a new stock orifice tube. It seems to be working OK. If you find something will work better I'd like to know in case I have to open it up again someday. It's hard to get a straight answer when it comes to A/C systems. The pros tend to keep quiet since they have to be licensed.
 
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