Can our cars be converted to r134 without changing anything? I read a r134 conversion kit box and it says it can just be added to a r12 system but I'm not sure its meant for cars a little newer than ours. Anybody have A/C shop recomendations or want to help me get my A/C working?
Question for you A/C Guru's
- Thread starter TurboJohn
- Start date
Welcome!
By registering with us, you'll be able to discuss, share and private message with other members of our community.
Hawaiian Turbo
POWER'D BY BUD LIGHT
- Joined
- May 25, 2001
- Messages
- 1,547
My friend has been doing AC for years, ands he's been adding the 134 to the 12 with no ill effects. I however(before talking to him) flushed and changed the O rings.
KENNE-BILL
Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 509
Another question for the A/C experts 
. If I were to get a new compressor and stay with r12, would there be any benefit in getting a new accumulator also - do they wear out? Thanks.
. If I were to get a new compressor and stay with r12, would there be any benefit in getting a new accumulator also - do they wear out? Thanks.A/C 101.....
Accumulators basically have 3 functions.
1. Vapor/Gas to the compressor.
Depending on temperature conditions and superheat, the evaporator will fill itself with freon. If heat cannot boil the freon fast enough to a vapor then liquid is sent out of the evap. This liquid is sent to the accumulator to further boil and ensure that vapor/gas only goes to the compressor. This is why the top of the accumulator seems to sweat.
2. Filtration
There's a screen filter inside the accumulator to trap debris from getting to the compressor. In our cars, the expansion valve is of the fixed orifice type. It only has a little screen and a small orifice to allow freon through. Should any debris or rubbish pass it, the accumulators filter job is to catch it.
3. Moisture containment
Finally the last job of the accumulator is to contain moisture. There's a desiccant bag to collect any moisture in the system. (Kinda like the little bags in the Mochi-crunch that you can't eat. Well, not supposed to eat.) Water (moisture) and freon don't mix. Well they do mix but, create an acid in the process. Acid eats at everything in your A/C system. Lines, seals, orings, pistons, you name it, a good percent of damage is done from moisture. It tears at your A/C from the inside out. That's why it's equally important to evacuate the system prior to charging. Evacuation boils all the moisture given enough time.
Do accumulators get worn out?
No. They do get contaminated with moisture and koo-kai. And yes you should change it everytime you open the system for repairs. As a general rule, I like to think of the accumulator the same way as the oil filter. Everytime you service the engine you change the filter right. Or how's this one, do you know of anyone who'd throw in a new engine and grab the old filter and put it on? Please don't reply back...This means you too Charlie.
Ok class dismissed!
Accumulators basically have 3 functions.
1. Vapor/Gas to the compressor.
Depending on temperature conditions and superheat, the evaporator will fill itself with freon. If heat cannot boil the freon fast enough to a vapor then liquid is sent out of the evap. This liquid is sent to the accumulator to further boil and ensure that vapor/gas only goes to the compressor. This is why the top of the accumulator seems to sweat.
2. Filtration
There's a screen filter inside the accumulator to trap debris from getting to the compressor. In our cars, the expansion valve is of the fixed orifice type. It only has a little screen and a small orifice to allow freon through. Should any debris or rubbish pass it, the accumulators filter job is to catch it.
3. Moisture containment
Finally the last job of the accumulator is to contain moisture. There's a desiccant bag to collect any moisture in the system. (Kinda like the little bags in the Mochi-crunch that you can't eat. Well, not supposed to eat.) Water (moisture) and freon don't mix. Well they do mix but, create an acid in the process. Acid eats at everything in your A/C system. Lines, seals, orings, pistons, you name it, a good percent of damage is done from moisture. It tears at your A/C from the inside out. That's why it's equally important to evacuate the system prior to charging. Evacuation boils all the moisture given enough time.
Do accumulators get worn out?
No. They do get contaminated with moisture and koo-kai. And yes you should change it everytime you open the system for repairs. As a general rule, I like to think of the accumulator the same way as the oil filter. Everytime you service the engine you change the filter right. Or how's this one, do you know of anyone who'd throw in a new engine and grab the old filter and put it on? Please don't reply back...This means you too Charlie.
Ok class dismissed!
anytime you change a a/c compressor you should replace the accumulator/dryer and also the orifice, might be a good idea to look into new hose assembly
maybe gerold can chime in and see what he has to say.....blah...blah...blah...
unless he has something better to do than sleeping on the JOB!
maybe gerold can chime in and see what he has to say.....blah...blah...blah...
unless he has something better to do than sleeping on the JOB! 
