a/c conversion kits

[htownmike]

I have been asking around shops to check my a/c since it doesn't work. A lot of them say that I have to convert it over since I still have the R-12 before they can check it. So I've been looking into those conversion kits they sell at the auto parts store. My question is do they actually work?

[wildBill83]

I have been asking around shops to check my a/c since it doesn't work. A lot of them say that I have to convert it over since I still have the R-12 before they can check it. So I've been looking into those conversion kits they sell at the auto parts store. My question is do they actually work?

No they don't.

To convert you need to replace compressor, drier, and expansion valve as well as all of the o-rings. You also have to get all of the oil flushed out and replaced with PAG or ester oil then have the system charged immediately...

[htownmike]

I was hoping you won't say that lol That really sucks. I was hoping I wouldn't have to spend so much money on this car. I guess I was wrong.

[lindiz]

No they don't.

To convert you need to replace compressor, drier, and expansion valve as well as all of the o-rings. You also have to get all of the oil flushed out and replaced with PAG or ester oil then have the system charged immediately...

How crucial is replacing the expansion valve? I'm doing a retrofit and replacing a lot of stuff but the smallest 3rd fitting on the expansion valve seems stuck and I'm afraid breaking the threads on the pipe if I have to remove it. The valve otherwise looks clean inside.

[SEgirl]

I had this done years ago to my 93 SE through the dealer. I pulled my old receipt and it says "retrofit" and "refrigerant" and cost about $170. However, my compressor, and everything else was still good. I'm going to call the dealer today and see if they can do it for my other SE although I'm sure it will be a little more expensive now. Hopefully all the other parts are still in good shape and all I'll need is the retrofit.

[wildBill83]

How crucial is replacing the expansion valve? I'm doing a retrofit and replacing a lot of stuff but the smallest 3rd fitting on the expansion valve seems stuck and I'm afraid breaking the threads on the pipe if I have to remove it. The valve otherwise looks clean inside.

Expansion valve isn't crucial, but if you don't at least adjust it then your temp vents won't be as cold as you want.

I had this done years ago to my 93 SE through the dealer. I pulled my old receipt and it says "retrofit" and "refrigerant" and cost about $170. However, my compressor, and everything else was still good. I'm going to call the dealer today and see if they can do it for my other SE although I'm sure it will be a little more expensive now. Hopefully all the other parts are still in good shape and all I'll need is the retrofit.

If they didn't replace o-rings expect it to leak eventually.

[lindiz]

Expansion valve isn't crucial, but if you don't at least adjust it then your temp vents won't be as cold as you want.

Thanks, I saw a hex nut inside so I guess that's the adjuster screw. I have no idea how to get it correctly adjusted but maybe a local shop can do it for me.

[htownmike]

No they don't.

To convert you need to replace compressor, drier, and expansion valve as well as all of the o-rings. You also have to get all of the oil flushed out and replaced with PAG or ester oil then have the system charged immediately...

Curious, why would I have to replace all of that? What is the difference of what I have now?

[92smokeaccord]

the easy cheapest way would be to use said parts but from a newer accord.i believe the 96-97 accord uses r-34.just change everything over from the 96-97 accord.

[SEgirl]

A/C is no longer working in that particular car, but the retrofit was done in '02 and I haven't tried a recharge on it since then.
When I bring the other car in for the retrofit, I'll be sure to mention the o-rings. Thanks for the tip!

If they didn't replace o-rings expect it to leak eventually.

[Stoner51]

Thanks, I saw a hex nut inside so I guess that's the adjuster screw. I have no idea how to get it correctly adjusted but maybe a local shop can do it for me.

I believe 134 is 3 turns and r 12 is 7 turns. You want about 5 turns. Turn it like you would to close it. It should be 7 turns, then back it out 5 from all the way shut.

steve

[lindiz]

I believe 134 is 3 turns and r 12 is 7 turns. You want about 5 turns. Turn it like you would to close it. It should be 7 turns, then back it out 5 from all the way shut.

steve

I'll try that, I saw you posted more details in another thread about it. Thanks a lot for the help!

[MonteC]

retrofitting an r12 car is doable and works great if you haven't had a compressor failure. Flush the system. Parts stores sell a/c flush in a can. Check for leaks. Some times leaks will become obvious during a flush. You are going to need an a/c machine to properly evacuate they system and leak check. The tricky part is knowing how much r134a to put into the system. The two refrigerants run on different pressures. Iirc it takes less 134a than r12.

The only piece you have to change is the drier. The kit comes with fittings for thw newer style a/c gauges. Pretty easy to get to and cheap on rock auto. Just had the retrofit done on my brothers da teg. The a/c works great. We did have to change the compressor because his was leaking. I had a friend with the a/c machine do the flush, leak check, and recharge. I replaced the compressor and the drier. He flushed it then I took it back to my shop to replace the parts then took it back to his shop and he finished it.

Any shop with a/c experience will be able to do the retrofit. I plan on getting it done on my 91 with in the next week.

[SEgirl]

got my R12 system a/c retrofitted for R13 at the dealer today so now I have cold A/C --woo hoo!

[htownmike]

got my R12 system a/c retrofitted for R13 at the dealer today so now I have cold A/C --woo hoo!

How much did you pay?