AC Fittings seal? on York '87 4kq compressor

[Ti Kan]

R134a-specific compressors have internal seals and such that are
made to be R134a-friendly.  Using an older R12 compressor may
cause premature leaks.  Also, the older compressors are not as efficient,
and saps engine power more.  In the case of the York, they are also
noisy and heavy.  R134a also requires a different oil in the compressor.

You should also change out the receiver drier in a R134a conversion.

If you really want to do it right, you should also change the hoses
to R134a-friendly barrier hoses, along with appropriate green nitrile
o-rings.  R134a has smaller molecules and could leak out of an otherwise
non-leaking R12 system.

If you shop carefully, you can find a new Sanden SD-5 series R134a
compressor complete with clutch and pulley for less than $200, and
just buy a ready-made adapter bracket (or make your own) to make it
fit in your car.  I did this on my 4000, and it works great.  See pics
#18 and #20 at:
	http://www.amb.org/ti/audi/auti1/auti1.html

If you need more info about my AC conversion, send me private email.

-Ti
2003 A4 1.8T multitronic
2001 S4 biturbo 6-sp
1984 5000S turbo
1980 4000 2.0 5-sp
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Ben Swann writes:
> I found the fittings do take O-rings, so my question is answered.
> 
> I have done a few R134a conversions so far with these - works OK, tho not
> great.  I can always do R-12, but hate to rick wasting my R-12 on a system
> that may not be sealed perfectly.  I would not have touched this for an
> engine swap, but P.O. in a hurry to yank the engine, disconnected the system
> and now I'm trying to put it all back again.
> 
> I didn't want to go charging with R-12 only to find I might have a leak, but
> the compressor should be good, and the condensor is brand new.
> 
> No way in H*** am I shelling out for a new compressor.  I have enough laying
> around here that I should be able to get one of them working with R134a.
> I've done a couple and if the compressor was good, then the system worked
> OK.
> 
> Are there any particular compressors from the older cars that would work any
> better, or is it just a general thing that the older compressors don't work
> well with R-134?  How much are the new compressors, if I may ask?
> 
> I'd like to save what little Freon I have left for known working systems
> that just need a charge every couple of years, if that.  This project has
> consumed far more of my resources than I ever intended and I am just trying
> to get it completed finally so I can move on.