Les,
You are correct about filling the system with less R134a than the old R12.
When my system was converted a few years ago an auto technician who had
done many conversions
cautioned me about the differences and about potential damage by using too
much R134a.
The original poster of this question should give serious thought to
replacing the Receiver/Drier.
From your description it sounds like the system has been open a while and
the R/D is now
compromised and should be replaced. FYI, there are actually two different
R/Ds one for R12 and one for R134a.
Years ago I was told a (new) R12 R/D could be used but it will not be as
effective as the R134a R/D
and would require much more frequent recharges of R134a.
BTW, my R134a conversion was done almost 5 years ago (with an R12 R/D) and
is still blowing cold and has not
needed to be recharged.
Charlie
At 06:42 PM 6/2/03 -0700, Les Noriel wrote:
I believe the conversion kits come with the R134 fittings, R134
refridgerant/lubricant, and a new receiver/dryer. The system has to be
totally evacuated of the old R12. (In California, it is illegal to do this
yourself!) Refilling is accomplished by monitoring pressure rather than by
volume. R134 creates more pressure for the same amount of volume as R12. If
you put in an equivalent amount of R134, it can burst the system and/or ruin
your compressor and you have to start all over again. I'm not an expert so
take this info with a grain of salt. This is the information I received when
I looked into converting one of my cars to the eco-friendly air
conditioning.
Frustrating to be compelled to make this conversion and just across the
border in Tijuana, the R12 refridgerant sells for ~$2.50 a pint.
Les
