R134 A/C Conversion Problems

[Shelby]

When I bought my car it had already been converted to R134. But I have had problems with the compressor being noisy, they replaced it under warranty. Starting to make noise again. I am not sure the tach knows want he is doing.

So I am taking it in to get a new compressor and anything else it may need.

Any Ideas or suggestion before I spent $450 buck.

[imported_Dales90]

Only experience with R134 changeover is on my wife's Regal with 2.8
We learned the hard way, with a pressure burst, that rubber o-rings from original system, needed to be replaced with either neoprene or some such. Evidentally the lube in the R-134 is harmful to rubber. If you have a leak allowing lube to purge, it could be shelling out the compressors.
Dale

[Barney Eaton]

Other than basic A/C standard procedures, the 134 conversion requires, (A) ALL of the oil used with Freon be removed, the compressor needs to be flushed, the lines flushed and the accumulator/dryer be replaced because you cannot get the oil out. (B) 134 doesn't like air in the system. After the system is pumped down and fresh 134 is ready to add, flush the air out of the hose lines as the connection is made.

This is not intended to be an all inclusive A/C note but all the fittings need to be tight and 134 compatable oil needs to be added.

[charlie1]

my experience.
if you can stay with r 12
less chance of problem
better cooling with r 12
the r 134 cars have larger condensers and evaporators to give better cooling !
charlie

[grm]

when you say flush the system, what do you you use? ( chemical ) If you pull the system down with a vacuum does that remove most of the oil from the compresser or do you have to remove the compresser? thanks grm

[padgett]

Barney has it right, have had three cars (88-92, the 90 five years ago) converted to R-134A and all work well in central Fla.

My rule of thumb is that if it needs more than a can of R-12 or if the system needs to be opened, I convert.

Reguardless of conversion I also replace the dryer every time a system is opened. Dryer removal also makes flushing easier.

[harry yarnell]

Padgett's right, always put a new dryer (accumulator) in when changing over to 134.Put the PAG oil in the dryer. No oil sits in the compressor; it floats with the freon. Some will settle in the dryer.
I've done several coversions with no trouble.
Stay away from reman compressors; nothing but trouble. Stick with genuine GM new.

[grm]

harry, if i understand you right, all you have to do is do a vacuum and replace the dryer, add new oil and freon when converting from r12 to 134a? thanks grm

Converted my "rare bear" 91 and had a ton of problems....had to replace all the hoses as they began to come apart internally....new hoses and pipes and now she cools like a champ. Tends to not be as efficient as the 12 but all in all does fine....good luck\
olebob <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/image...lins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Reatta1]

I converted my 88 last summer and have had absolutely no problems with it. Conversion was done by my local dealer service dept. The dealership owner is also a Reatta owner and they have a long time tech who is familiar with the car. They must have done it right. After hearing all the the horror stories on the forum I'm amazed that I've had only very minor problems with my car.

[65buickgs]

Well, I am on my third rebuilt compressor in less than one year after converting to 134...and the one in there now has already begun to chatter and become noisy. Should I forget the rebuilt units and just install a new GM unit? On average, what would the price be for a new unit? System was purged and prepped by a very good mechanic and he has installed the replacement units with no complaints and no charge, but it is becoming frustrating having the car in the shop every few months.

[kennyw]

think if i were to do a replacement i would go with the new propane refrigerent. Should be a link here someware as that is where I found it. Seems r 134 will sone be fazed out for this product........Ken

[charlie1]

DURACOOL

[padgett]

I would never put a used compressor in a car I wanted to keep. Lowest I have ever seen for an HR-6 (don't even think about a DA-6) was a winter sale a few years ago for $300. Suspect are probably near $400 from GMPartsDirect (anyone have the p/n - not at home) but few shops will install something you bring in.