A/C retrofit
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: WA
A/C retrofit
Let's talk retrofit. How did you complete the task? What parts did you use?
I've never technically retrofitted a system before. I was reading a TSB series on retrofitting a volvo and it's not bad at all. All you have to do is replace the accumulator and orifice tube. The TSB doesn't say exactly why. and to use "ester" oil to add to removed components, and a little when charging I assume.
I've heard of just changing out the fittings or single fitting on our cars and just charge it with R134.
Looking for experienced insight.
Thanks.
I've never technically retrofitted a system before. I was reading a TSB series on retrofitting a volvo and it's not bad at all. All you have to do is replace the accumulator and orifice tube. The TSB doesn't say exactly why. and to use "ester" oil to add to removed components, and a little when charging I assume.
I've heard of just changing out the fittings or single fitting on our cars and just charge it with R134.
Looking for experienced insight.
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,540
Likes: 137
Good info here:
https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-9...rsionPage1.htm
You are supposed to change the O rings, use a new drier, and change to ester oil, basically... It's mostly labor, time...
I know guys who just filled the system with 134 and reported good results... The 134 is supposed to not like the old seals, so presumably over the years the seals won't last.
https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-9...rsionPage1.htm
You are supposed to change the O rings, use a new drier, and change to ester oil, basically... It's mostly labor, time...
I know guys who just filled the system with 134 and reported good results... The 134 is supposed to not like the old seals, so presumably over the years the seals won't last.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 293
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From: West Virginia
I went the radical path, and used duracool (HC-12) instead of r134a in my old R-12 system. However, I did clean out and remove everything, except the evaporator. Removing everything was probably more work than is needed, but I had a leak that I wanted to track down, as the AC system had never worked as long as I had the car, and didn't hold a vacuum.
The trick is when going from R-12 to R-134a, you need to get all the old oil out. The oil in R-12 and R-134a don't play well together. They make a sludge when you mix them. This doesn't kill your compressor immediately, but will lead to failure in a few years or months--the point being you will not know immediately if it is a problem.
I did the Duracool conversion on my 240. On my older 740T, I tried the "just put R-134a in it" method, and it worked mediocre at best, and within a year or two the compressor failed. Upon reflection, if I had properly cleaned out the old oil, there is no reason why it should not have worked.
Oh, one other thing (which you may know, but I didn't when I first got into it): do get your hands on a vacuum pump. It has made a big difference in my opinion.
The trick is when going from R-12 to R-134a, you need to get all the old oil out. The oil in R-12 and R-134a don't play well together. They make a sludge when you mix them. This doesn't kill your compressor immediately, but will lead to failure in a few years or months--the point being you will not know immediately if it is a problem.
I did the Duracool conversion on my 240. On my older 740T, I tried the "just put R-134a in it" method, and it worked mediocre at best, and within a year or two the compressor failed. Upon reflection, if I had properly cleaned out the old oil, there is no reason why it should not have worked.
Oh, one other thing (which you may know, but I didn't when I first got into it): do get your hands on a vacuum pump. It has made a big difference in my opinion.
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