Sorry, it's a link to the one that didn't work in my situation. I'm guessing because the climate down here isn't as severe as it is in your neck of the woods. If I'm not mistaken, it caused my line to freeze up.
Air Conditioning 'Restification' Advice
- Thread starter ssn696
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If you want to retain R-12 but can't find any, why not change over to ES-12? http://autorefrigerants.com/hydrocarbon-refrigerants I did and it works great. My system puts out cold air that is 30 degrees below ambient. My original engine was a 3.8 and when I swapped in the 301 I just mounted the stock radial compressor using the Turbo 301 brackets. I kept the original condenser, evaporator, hoses, everything. I changed the orifice tube and accumulator just because. My leak spot was the compressor so I bought a used rebuilt one from anthonychacon80 on this site who had changed to R-134. The only thing not stock is the radiator because it needed something bigger. I have an aluminum V-8 4 row equivalent one from RockAuto that is superior to stock. I also got a new fan clutch. Quite a few years ago when I posted that I was using ES-12 I was warned that it is propane based and my car may explode. It is still here and working great. The best part is that ES-12 is compatible with the original R-12 type mineral oil so no need to flush anything. I just vacuumed the system down and filled it up. I have a shop grade AC vacuum pump because I do all my family's AC stuff but the cheap venturi type harbor break sells will get you down to 29" vacuum using an air compressor.
I still have all original components in my system except for the compressor, receiver/dryer, and orifice tube, but they are direct replacements. I run 134 with no issues and it blows cold enough air for me.
I had thought of swapping hoses to barrier type and getting a parallel condenser, but it all works, I see no reason to change it til I need too.
I have used the venturi vacuum too, but it takes a lot of air and I'm not a big fan. For $100-$150 you can buy an electric vac pump and for $50 you can buy manifold gauges at harbor freight. The first time you use it it'll pay for itself. I do a/c all the time now.
I had thought of swapping hoses to barrier type and getting a parallel condenser, but it all works, I see no reason to change it til I need too.
I have used the venturi vacuum too, but it takes a lot of air and I'm not a big fan. For $100-$150 you can buy an electric vac pump and for $50 you can buy manifold gauges at harbor freight. The first time you use it it'll pay for itself. I do a/c all the time now.
Installed the Rock Auto condenser today. The Chinese aftermarket unit has tabs that fit into the original rubber mounts. I picked up mine from a salvage yard, as they are not available aftermarket. The uppers are angled, so I bent then about 45 degrees, and the Cutlass condenser bolted right in. The one issue was the condensate line comes very close to the side of the Malibu radiator support. I wrapped it with a rubber strip and a zip-tie to prevent rubbing in the future. Put everything back together and now seek the right upper radiator hose to fit around the serpentine alternator.
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