oups59

My 20 years old A/C compressor decided to seize yesterday.

Should I replace it with a Kuehl kit from Griffiths (around $600) or go for a rebuild Nippondenso (around 200$ on Ebay)

I also need to convert from R12 to 134a.

From previous posts, I saw that some of you installed a Kuehl kit. Is it reliable ?

Did some of you use a rebuilt unit ? Any problems?

Mark Anderson

I guess that partly depends on how good the rebuild is. We tried a few rebuilders before we settled on the one we are now using. It's never fun to have one go bad and lose expensive freon.

ROG100

Why convert from R12 to R134.
Your system will be much better with R12.

the flyin' scotsman

We live in Canada...................can't buy R12.

ROG100

Sorry guys I will get of my R12 horse.

Herr-Kuhn

Griffiths is top notch...you will get a good unit from him. The ebay pick might be risky for you.

oups59

Malcolm is right. No more R12 in Canada.

dr bob

Stands to reason --- The law that limits sales of R-12 is known as the Montreal Accord.

The limitations on sales in the US and some other nations are pretty interesting. "New" freon isn't manufactured here any more, but old stocks can be depleted. Recovered freon can be cleaned and resold. You must have a 'permit' to buy it now, and you promise not to leak it to the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the 'other' countries of the world still manufacture and sell freon without any limitations. Dupont, which I think held the patent on the R12 formulation, continues to be a major manufacturer and distributor in many parts of the world. It is still sold without any limitation in places as close as Mexico. You can wander across the border to Mexico, go to an auto parts warehouse store in Tijuana, and buy cylinders of R12 over the counter. Folks needing a recharge can just drive over, get the car refilled, and drive back if they don't want to carry a 30# gas bomb in their car as they return. In theory, you need to declare the cylinder to customs so you can pay duty on it. Don't forget to do that!

IcemanG17

I also vote for keeping R12.........however that will be more difficult in Canada!

SteveG

I haven't spoken to Griffiths in over a year so take this with salt. The guy I spoke with was only interested in selling me a conversion kit. Now in many circumstances that is appropriate, but it just left me with a feeling he could care less about my situation. So I bought a rebuilt compressor on ebay from the Huston A/C supplier about $125; I can probably get a phone no if you need. No link as they do not have any listed at present. They were very helpful on the phone re questions I had on oil and installation. Things are cool.

oups59

Steve,

I spoke with Griffiths and they seem very nice but I only mention that I wanted a compressor.

I found a company on EBay (Jensen auto) which seem to have from time to time rebuild A/C compressor.

If you find the phone number of your supplier, please let me know.