[Vwdiesel] a/c compressor body failed

[Val Christian]

I've probably done 14 or 15 R-12 to R134a conversions.  

The o-ring kits are under $20, and for some conversions I've been able to 
buy all the R134a compatable o-rings for $3.  

A dryer is relatively inexpensive and helps get any extra R-12 oil out
of the system.  Normally when I service an AC, I've replaced the dryer,
figuring that it's cheap insurance.  There are times when I haven't, 
however, and they are times when there is a fresh dryer on the system.
When that is the case, I draw down the system for the better part of the 
day...drawing it down, and then sealing it off, and then drawing it down
again a couple times over 12 hours, or let it sit over night.  This
effectively helps boil off any moisture.

Finally, I have one of those bottles, which can hold flush solvent,
under pressure, with a rubberized tip.  A gallon of flush is cheap
and does 4 or 5 cars (or 3 minivans with rear AC).  Again it helps
clear out old oil, and particulates from older or failed compressors.

Spending the incremental money on these steps has resulted in never 
having a failure with a r134a conversion.  

I have friends who have cut corners, for example not swapping out the
o-rings, and then had problems two seasons later.  For the money and
time invested in maintaining an AC system, I'd rather have the results 
be trouble free.

Val

ps: I have an evac pump now, but an old regrigerator (r22) compressor
works OK, just takes a little more time.  But they are inexpensive.









> 
> Scott,
> 
> If you do decide to go ahead with an R12 to R134a conversion, be advised 
> that R134 tends to leak through hoses that otherwise will hold R12.  It 
> has to do with the smaller molecules in the refrigerant.
> 
> Also, residual mineral oil lubricant from R12 in the system can cause 
> major problems because it doesn't mix with the PAG oil used with R134, 
> therefore the plumbing system has to be thoroughly cleaned.
> 
> See what I went through converting the A/C to R134 in my '81 RabbitTruck 
> at the following web address:  
> 
> http://chemdec.natsci.csulb.edu/VWAC
> 
> 
> -- 
> Bob Soukup
> '81 RabbitTruck D.
> 
> 
> On Wed, 26 Dec 2007 22:18:02 -0500 Scott Alexander 
> <salex at dsl.cis.upenn.edu Wrote:
> > One of the mounting ears on my A/C compressor on my '82 Rabbit D failed.
> >  The compressor seemed to be working fine up until I discovered the
> > problem.  I'm wondering if anyone has experience  swapping the guts from
> > a working compressor into the body of a failed compressor?  How hard
> > would it be to do this?
> >
> > Assuming it's not a fool's errand, does anyone have a seized or
> > otherwise failed compressor sitting in the junk box that they'd like to
> > get rid of?
> >
> > Since I'll have to crack the system to fix this in any case, I'm also
> > thinking of switching to R134.  I know I'll need to replace the
> > receiver/ dryer and various seals.  Is there anything else I should know
> > about this swap?  Anything peculiar to Rabbits that the guys I know who
> > have done this on other cars wouldn't expect?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Scott Alexander
> > '82 Rabbit D
> > Warren, NJ
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >   
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