I know there is someone here that has sucessfully charged their A/C with R-134 refrigerant around here.

I have a 1989 SE, and I purchased the retrofit kit made by interdynamics, which came with 3-12oz. cans of refrigerant/ester oil, a high pressure hose and adapters, all for only $27.99 at K-Mart (this kit normally sells for $40). The adapters that came with the kit that I got didn't fit, and I wound up wasting a whole can and a half of refrigerant. I have one full can left, and I just want to know where I can get the right low-side adapter so I can charge my A/C with this kit. I'm pretty sure that the old R-12 refrigerant is completely gone because I don't get any cool air coming through my A/C system at all, and haven't for over a year. I believe that the compressor and the rest of the system is without leaks at this point as well. The amount of refrigerant that I have left should do (but I'll probably get another can anyway), and I have the Chilton's manual, so I know where to add the refrigerant, etc.

If anyone can tell me where to get the right adapter, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

 

I just had my 92se retrofited to R134a. I tried a wal-mart kit but didn't have the paitience. If I had known it would cost me $324 I would have tried harder.

They put 2 lbs. of R134a into my car. On my car the adapter w/red cap is by the radiator. The adapter w/blue cap is directly over the AC compressor.

Also I recomend adding special AC dye to system. So you can check for leaks with a black light.

Everything above this point I am sure of.

Check your AC compressor to make sure it is ok. With the car running and in park. Turn on the AC and watch the tacometer. If the compressor works the car should idle down for a second. The engine had to adjust to the extra load.

 

Almost forgot they put a new reciever/dryer on. (The silver cylnder in the driver front corner of engine bay, and has the sight glass on top). I didn't get to take to mechanic so am not sure why.

 

You can't mix R-134A with R12!

The system needs to be purged of all R-12 prior to R134A being put in.

Adapters can be purchased at auto parts stores. The existing valve inside the fitting will have to be removed and the adapters screwed on. Of course, by doing this any amount of R-12 will escape into the atmosphere. And we all know about R-12 in the atmosphere.......

I would have a shop purge your system, replace the valves, pull vaccum and then charge the system with R-134A. Not sure if the system will work without additional mods (new hoses, seals, etc.) however.

Ther are other alternatives to using R-134A. The stuff will mix with any oil left in the system and does not require any mods except for the valves. One that I've used in my 90 Max is called Enviro-Safe. Not as cold as R-12, but in line with R-134A.

Look at http://befreetech.com/envirosafe.htm

Good luck!

Tim

 

@klymkow & wizard_c,

Thanks for the advice. I'm pretty sure that the kit I have is just fine, and I'm not all that concerned with the cooling power of R12 over R-134 - I've been driving around without an A/C to speak of for over a year, and I just want the A/C available when I'm transporting 'heat-sensitive' passengers. I'm used to driving around with the windows down/sunroof open, so it's no big deal to me, but I also don't want my compressor to go bad because it's not being used. I may be taking a trip to Las Vegas, and I know I'll need the A/C for that trip (just got a new radiator too!) I'll try one of these A/C shops to see if they just sell the adapter for my car.

Thanks a bunch!