Convert/retrofit to R134a or stay R12?

[Tony Hoffman]

Honestly, at that price point, I'd be looking to change the compressor and
lines to a different, more universal setup anyhow, and eliminate that
"manifold" alltogether. The biggest thing is the time it takes to do the
lines and find all the fittings you need. The rest is just bolt/weld up and
go.

BTW, that o-ring seal manifold part that leaks on 90% of the ones I work
on, that is not replaced with the Compressor. That is a seperate part.

Tony

On Thu, Jun 20, 2013 at 9:18 AM, Kenneth Keith <auditude at cox.net> wrote:

> So far what I’ve done is paid my $40 for “diagnosis” (“hey, your
> compressor is bad), and taken my car home.  I was/am planning on looking
> into a parallel flow condenser and new barrier hoses, and maybe an upgraded
> evaporator from http://europeancoolerair.com/ftrmkt01.htm if it’s still
> available, and a new compressor.  This would let me get the most out of a
> R134a retrofit if I go that way now or in the future, but my thought on it
> for now was that I will get some R12 off Craigslist for about ~$40/can and
> go that way rather than the $80/can the shop would charge.
>
> If my compressor can be salvaged, then I suppose I’d want to go that
> route.  However, the “diagnosis” I paid for didn’t break down which part of
> the compressor was leaking.  I think he just looked at it and saw dye
> around the outside and determined it was bad.  I haven’t gotten a chance to
> look at it myself, nor to take measurements of the stock condenser to see
> what parallel flow versions are the closest fit.
>
> Are there any parts of this Audi retrofit kit that are useful or necessary
> for a conversion on our cars?  Specifically, I’m wondering about the
> different pressure relief valve that’s included, which is not something I
> think is changed on the “$40 retrofits” where just the fitting adapters are
> added.
>
> C system R-12 to R-134a retrofit guide
>
> I believe that kit, if I can find one, would include the manifold o-ring
> you mention is a potential leak source.  The kit seems to be around $333 or
> so if it can be found.