Converting from R12 to R134a

[Roa, Greg]

Well, I'm not sure.  I'm not an expert on AC systems, but in my
searchings, I have found this.

A reseal and gasket kit for our compressors runs about $21 for all of
the pieces that you need, available from any Freightliner dealership's
parts department.  They may need to order it for you, as it isn't
usually stocked.  Also, they will have to cross reference the part
numbers from the CCI number to the Freightliner number.

Cost of the seal kit, which includes the o-ring, felt seal, centering
tool, and the bolts required was $15.  Part number (its a cci number -
488-25274).  

Also the full gasket kit for the compressor, which has every gasket in
the compressor.  It is part number 488-16316  $6  (this is a little
harder for them to get, but they can usually find it)

The parts are made by CCI, which is the company that now owns York
compressor.

The full service manual is even on their site with pictures, part
numbers, and a full procedures for clutch, front seal, head, and
baseplate removal and installation.
http://www.ccicompressor.com/SrvcManl.htm

The o-rings are available at most FLAPS, they don't cost much at all.
You would need to get ones that are compatible with 134a.

Also, a new receiver/dryer is quite cheap.  You should be able to get
one from Rod at the parts connection www.thepartsconnection.com for
about $35.  It will be compatible with 134a too.

A kit with the fittings to change the car over, a sticker, cans of 134a,
and oil for the system sell for about $35 at a FLAPS.  They will also
usually sell dye, so that if you have a leak, it is pretty easy to find.

The total isn't too expensive to do all of that stuff, but it does
require some time, and some wrenching.  Personally, I would doubt that
the mechanic is going to rebuild your compressor, so if you do it
yourself, it may actually turn out better.  You won't be able to do is a
pressure test, hence the dye.  If you want, you can also pay a AC
service person to vacuum your system, so that there isn't any air in it,
as well as to get any moisture out.

So, it's about $100 in parts, and some wrenching, or $500, and have
someone else do the dirty work.  Up to you.  : )

Good Luck!
Greg Roa
Cincinnati, OH
86' 4kcsq
93' 90 CS
83' 944

>From: David.Ullrich at ferguson.com [mailto:David.Ullrich at ferguson.com]
>Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 1:21 PM
>To: Roa, Greg; quattro at audifans.com
>Subject: RE: Converting from R12 to R134a
>
>
>For the $500 he is going to replace the receiver/dryer, replace all
o-rings, 
>install new fittings, replace all seals, evacuate, and recharge with
the proper >R134a & oil, test the system and back it up with a 1 year
warranty. He claims to >never have had one come back in for warranty
work or repairs after being 
>converted. So, does this still sound like a decent deal?
>
>Dave
>
>1987.5 Audi Coupe GT "Special Build" 2.3 - Anthracite Black
>1998 VW Passat GLS 1.8T - For Sale CHEAP