Ben951S

I have an 89 Turbo S with an apparently unconverted AC system (R12).

When I had it at a shop, they pressed the valve and said they barely got a 'psst' out of it. The light lights up when I hit the AC button, no compressor action (I assume pressure is way too low to have the compressor come on).


So guys, what do I do first? I was thinking of doing a Freeze12/Duracool (R12 compatible) filling and seeing what happens?

Yes, I keep a fire extinguisher in the car... =)

I believe the 89s have the AC line fittings right on the compressor?

or... Replace with 134a? I don't have a way to pull a vacuum... and I know I would need at least a receiver/drier, right?

Prices I should be thinking of paying, or other first steps?

Input appreciated.

p3

schip43

Well for doing first, go with the Freeze 12. I've been using it for years and have had very few issues. You can do the R 134 conversion but I believe for it to be really effective you'd need a new compressor. The standard AC compressor will work with R134 but I'd heard it's not as efficient as it is with the R12.

Ben951S

Thanks schip. Where do you get your Freeze12? Does it run at 90% psi of what R12 spec is? Should I worry about trying to pull vacuum or replace parts, or just fill, check for leaks, and see what happens? =)

schip43

I'm sure you need to pull a vacuum to do it correctly, I just took it to the shop and had them do it.

schip43

Yep looks like it's still around just did a quick search and found it.

http://www.freeze12.com/

Ben951S

Thanks Schip. Wish it did. Everything is $0.00. =(

How much will I need? I am going to look for a guide/DIY on how to fill, but 89 I think is special, would love pics...

jlturpin

Look into Red Tek before you do this. A lot of the Vintage VW crowd use it. Apparently it requires a much lower head pressure, which is great for our old cars. I have not personally used it but will be ordering enough to do several old R-12 cars soon. If it can cool a Vanagon, then there should be no problem with the 951. Also, from what I have read it does an outstanding job with leak repair.

http://www.redtek.com/home.html

Tedro951

I'd pull it down, for sure. New drier is like $28 at Oreillys, but additionally the vacuum will dry the entire sys, and determine if leaks are present. Good ideas above for refrigerant.

I've never used the harbor freight vac pump (air comp type), but they're cheap, assuming you have an air compressor.

Most shops don't want to get involved in a "budget" oriented deal like this. If money isn't a problem, just specify the refrigerant and let them loose on it.

$= Add refrigerant and hope for the best. (probably a very temporary solution)
$$= Pull it down, new dryer, leak check, add refrigerant. Exp valve optional. (What I did, blows cold for last 12 months)
$$$= Let the shop do it. (This could go near $1000 really quickly....shops like new compressors)

Let us know how you come out.

Ben951S

I may try and find an indy who can do a $$.5 option.
Pull it down, new dryer, leak check, add refrigerant. Using new dryer and refrigerant I provide. Is expansion valve difficult to replace? I would go with PelicanParts, I don't know if I want a Uro or other low cost option, unless some one can confirm they are just as good... =)

86 951 Driver

I just picked up a set of R12 gauges. You can get R12 still. Just from other sources. Lots of people have it on craigslist or you could get some stuff from Mexico thats R12 since they can still manufacture it down there. A/C work isn't too rough, finding leaks can be. I am going to top off my system. If that gets me through the summer fine then I can convert it during the winter.

I have heard in these cars R134a does just fine after you convert it. I would convert it properly by changing the dryer, pulling a vacuum, change compressor oil, and then filling it back up.

schip43

Before you change it if that's what you'll do eventually, do so more rersearch, I looked a little bit and don't see anything about the stock compressor being a problem it might just be that it takes a lesser amount of refrigerant.

I don't know what the Red Tek is might be something newer so look into that to. Either way if yopu can just fill it with a subistute and it works, I'd just do that and call it a day!