A/C recondition

[Karpov]

1990 lesabre.


Someone has been opened hose connections which come to besides radiator. So its been open for all *shoot* and density for years i think.


If i wanna make it working system again, what i should check?

If i spin compressor by hand and it makes pressure from pipes, is it ok? Evaporator core goes bad too when hoses are open to outside air etc?


All wires and hoses seems to be on their places and good condition.

[myfirstbonnie]

You will have to convert to the R-134a refrigerant. Being left open and the age, I would not trust the compressor. All the other components will need a flush and then the adapters to fit the new cans. It will also need a leak check and replace any old o-rings that may be leaky.

The problem with these systems is getting the R-12 that is no longer made.

[95se]

You can buy special cleaners for the lines, i would do that and if you can find r12 it is colder, but if not youll have to retrofit to r134a

[RJolly87]

If possible, this would be a good opportunity to properly convert to r-134a. The compressor and dryer need to be replaced to properly convert, but it sounds like that should be done. I would check everything for leaks, and if all is good, replace compressor, dryer, expansion valve, orifice tube, and flush everything else. Then you get the fittings adapted, and you will have a proper r-134a system.

it's better to do it right from the start. Every r-12 system that i have seen switched to r-134, at best gets the job done, and never gets as cold as it can using r-12, or a proper r-134a system. Mine has simply been switched forever, and takes a while to get cold.

there is (or at least was) a synthetic alternative called freeze 12. That works about the same as r-134a.

[Karpov]

Thank you guys!


If i order anything a/c parts from rockauto, are those r-134a ready?


Compressor cant be rebuild? (new seals etc)

[95se]

If possible, this would be a good opportunity to properly convert to r-134a. The compressor and dryer need to be replaced to properly convert, but it sounds like that should be done. I would check everything for leaks, and if all is good, replace compressor, dryer, expansion valve, orifice tube, and flush everything else. Then you get the fittings adapted, and you will have a proper r-134a system.

it's better to do it right from the start. Every r-12 system that i have seen switched to r-134, at best gets the job done, and never gets as cold as it can using r-12, or a proper r-134a system. Mine has simply been switched forever, and takes a while to get cold.

there is (or at least was) a synthetic alternative called freeze 12. That works about the same as r-134a.

Wasnt freeze 12 (fr-12) from mexico if i remember correctly?

[RJolly87]

No telling. Some quick interwebbing suggests that freeze 12 is a blend of r134,and another refrigerant, but is no longer available. Also suggested by interwebbibg is that, as the newest vehicle using r12 is likely 20 years old, demand has dropped, and prices are on par with r134a. You just need to have a specific license to purchase it. It might be worth it to look in to both routes and see which better suits your budget and needs.