I have a 1984 240 wagon that has low(144k) miles on it. I bought it 3 years ago and had a lot of work done (new compressor, radiator, belts & hoses etc) to the a/c. After 21/2 years the compressor (York) is leaking. Since the warranty has expired I wonder what experience folks have with that or other brands, new or refurbished. It is still running R-12, should I convert?

Thanks in advance.

 

huh, a compressor should last a lot longer than 2.5 years did it have sufficient AC oil in it?

dunno much about alternatives. my 87 hasn't had working AC in 15 years, in fact when I replaced the radiator, I removed the condensor. my 92 740T has a volvo oe r134 conversion, and works just fine, it hasn't needed even a recharge in the 2-3 years I've had it (I know the PO had some AC work done)

R134 doesn't work as efficiently as R12, it needs more air moving past the condensor to cool effectively. my 92 has a 2-speed electric fan.

an alternative is the HC12 stuff, called other names like FreezCool and stuff, too. its essentially a butane-propane mix, and has the same properties as R12, works well as a drop in substitute. I used this in my 1991 MBZ 260E for awhile. sure, its flammable, but so is R12, so is gasoline. if you get even a trace of a leak, you'll smell it, much like LP and natty gas, it has methylcaptan stink stuff in it.