Kraig,
Yes, I did convert my TR6 unit from R-12 to R-134a. The trick is having an
adequately sized condensor (the peice that sits in front of the radiator).
If the system originally had a slightly oversized condensor (about 20% more
than needed) the conversion will go fine. If the system had a marginally
sized condensor, you'll run into problems with high head pressure. The TR6
condensor is adequately sized for conversion to 134a.
It is a fairly involved process to convert a car from R-12 to R-134a. The
steps include the following:
1) Remove all components and get as much mineral oil from the system as
possible.
2) Replace the lines (the 134a will usually eat right through the older
lines).
3) Replace all o-rings with the new o-rings designed for use with 134a.
134a will eat right through the old o-rings.
4) Replace the filter drier. Your Buick probably has the filter drier in
the acculator (large aluminum tank by the evaporator).
5) Replace the expansion valve or orifice.
6) If the system uses pressure switches, they will need to be replaced.
7) Pull a vacuum and add the appropriate synthetic oil charge.
8) Charge the system with 134a.
As you can see, this gets expensive and time consuming, especially for a
1990 Buick. A far more practical solution is to use a product called
"Freeze 12", an R-12 substitute. We have a small independent auto parts
chain that carries the product and I expect it should be available in your
area as well. I have used this product and it does not work quite as well
as R-12 but the results are acceptable, considering the expensive
alternative to an 134a conversion.
Terry Geiger
'74 TR6 daily driver
Florence, Alabama USA
http://www.ShoalsBritishCars.org/
----- Original Message -----
From: <StangGuy67@aol.com>
To: <twgeiger@hiwaay.net>; <MJSUKEY@cs.com>; <6pack@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 10:01 PM
Subject: Re: American car question
>
> In a message dated 7/2/03 11:24:51 AM, twgeiger@hiwaay.net writes:
>
> << I have a one of the original dealer air units on my TR6 and on an 80
degree
>
> day and the blower on low speed, I can get a 35 degree discharge air from
>
> the vents (using 134a refrigerant) at cruising speeds, and this is from an
>
> almost 30 year old air conditioning system. Your modern system should at
>
> least perform as well. >>
>
> Hey, Terry:
>
> My daughter has a 1990 Buick, and the A/C needs charging. None of the
shops I
> take it to will recharge it (it takes R12). Did you convert your old
system
> over to R134a? Was it an easy process? Does it work as well as with the
R12?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kraig Griffiths
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