R134A conversion, did not work!

[colin cohen]

Taking a cue from the list, i decided to dispense with repairing my R12
system and convert.  I bought the quick release screw on adaptors, and from
there forwards encountered a host of problems.  Here are some of them and I
would welcome any light that can be shed thereon?

1) We found that the low pressure adaptor supplied in the kit did fit, but
the high did not.  The Audi dealer suggested that I purchase the Mercedes
version which did fit.

2) The found two service ports on the compressor and one on the drier.  The
Drier was marked "S" which I believe means "suction" or LP.  The ones on the
compressor were marked D for discharge I think, and the fitting corresponded
with the HP version from MB.  There was another fitting that was the same
size as the dryer and I assumed it was an LP unit.

3) So we evacuated the R12, but not finding a flushing material assumed that
there was no need to do so??

4) Then loaded 2 cans or 24 oz of R134A.  Tried to get the clutch to engage
but it would not.  We heard a solenoid clicking behind the dash when we
jumped the HP/LP switch but no clutch "click" from the magnet.

5) Then we tried to load the oil/dye.  Very little went in with or without
the engine running because the compressor would not engage.

At this point, out of ideas, with nothing in the Bentley, we decided the
little used compressor that was working a month ago, had lost its clutch and
therefore needed to be demounted.  Not having anywhere to evacuate the 134,
we released it into the atmosphere (woe is us, truly) and dumped the oil
that did make it into the lines all over the car and garage.

The idea now is to get the compressor checked and repaired if necessary.
Then we want to start again.  Anything wrong with what we did first time
around?

I am tempted to go to an A/C shop but the car is an 84 Sport Q. with what
seems to be a York compressor but there are no markings on it at all.  I
don't want to run the risk of a monkey messing up my intercooler, oil lines
and the like and really trust the guy who is doing the work on this.  Only
thing is neither of us have experience with this type of job.  Actually I
feel that its really travesty to be spending time or money on a/c for a car
like this, but then this is 'Merica where creature comforts come before
everything, right!

Thanks for any input.