Richard C

I am finally driving my car more often so I decided to do something about the poorly performing A/C. I can see some bubbles through the window on the receiver drier so I assume I am low on refrigerant.

My 1992 car was converted to R134A four years ago so I bought a home kit to add some freon. This kit has a gauge so I can measure the amount in the system.

Of course the low pressure fitting is at the back of the compressor and very difficult to reach. It is so tight in there that I cannot fit the large fitting from the kit onto it.

Has anyone done this with success somehow?

And, are there smaller fittings available somewhere?

Any help is appreciated.

Lemming

I'll need to look at mine when I get home as I don't remember having any problems when I added some last summer.

Richard C

Am I right that the low pressure valve is behind the compressor, so you have to put your hand down in front of the intake manifold to get to it?

I see the high pressure valve with the red cap that is on top of the receiver dryer. Now that one is easy to reach. I'm wondering if the conversion from R12 meant having to make some changes to the fittings, but I don't see why.

Lemming

IIRC I got to the low pressure valve by going in under the car near the front of the drivers side wheel.

Richard C

Yes, it looks like coming at it from under the car would be a bit easier than trying not to get burned by the manifold, however I don't have much confidence with running the car while up on jackstands. I guess I could buy some ramps.

Since are cars don't have much ground clearance, is there a particular ramp I should get?

Greimann

I lift the car and get to it from underneath. If you watch what you are doing running on jackstands is no problem.

As an aside. Recently converted to a Griffiths compressor, after going through several rebuilt stock compressors, and am thrilled with the cooling performance.

Richard C

Thanks for the replies.

I found out that the low pressure fitting on my car is not for R134A but rather R12 because it was originally fitted with R12 from the factory (1992 models only).

So I believe I need an adapter to convert it to an R134A fitting.

RajDatta

I guess the line is different. It goes around the drivers fender, around the firewall and into the passenger compartment on the passenger side of the car. Its a pain to swap though.
Raj

Jason Judd

What's A/C?

Jason

Richard C

Oh sure, rub it in. I guess you don't need A/C when you are driving 100+ mph on the track in a 968 Turbo!

I bought a conversion fitting that gives me the R134A connection I need to add the freon but it is so tight in there that the I can't get the hose connected.

Richard C

Dave:

Did you buy their Kuehl or Nippon compressor?

Greimann

I went with the Kuehl. It is a fairly technical install. You have to splice hoses and install adapters. The advantage to all this expense and effort is a brand new compressor with excellent performance. I believe the only OEM style compressors that are available now are rebuilt units.

My original compressor would not keep the car cool after running for awhile. I went through a couple of rebuilt units from different sources and both were turkeys. One leaked and the other didn't perform at idle after running for about 1/2 hour. I am convinced that AC compressor rebuilders are not fixing the fundamental problems that caused the compressor to be turned in, in the first place. Even Griffiths says they inspect the piston and bore, but don't say they actually fix them. In the worst case, compressors are rebuilt with a spray can of silver paint.