R-12 or R134 Compressor?

[larry bud]

It's time to change out my compressor on my '86. I converted the system over for 134 with everything new last year except for the compressor. Amazingly, it's still original.

The question is, do I buy a compressor made for r12 or one for r-134?

Any part number and source would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jsinga]

From what I have seen all the new compressors will come ready for R134a.
My experience buy a new compressor and make sure the old one didn't leave trash in the lines.
I think the R4 compressor is one of the cheapest ones around price wise.
Have you replaced the accumulator? It has a desicant bag inside that can come apart and make a mess.
Did your compressor die or is it just noisy? Sometimes you can give it a little more oil and it will quite it down and work fine.

JS

 

[larry bud]

The compressor doesn't pressurize the system enough, so it constantly runs.

 

[geekinavette]

From what I can tell a conversion from R12 to R134 almost always kills the compressor after a year or two (my Astro van compressor lasted two). From what I'm told it's not that the original compressor is not R134A compatible, rather that the oil used with R12 doesn't get along well with the oil used with R134A, and to get 100% of the old oil out is of course next to impossible. What I found in my case was gobs of black "gunk" that had clogged up the orifice tube.

When you buy a new compressor it should be compatible with either type. Just make SURE that you flush the crap out of every part of the system...you won't believe the black gunk that will come out. Also make sure that you replace the dryer/accumulator (even if it's only a year old!) in addition to the orifice tube/expansion valve (not sure which one the vette uses), they usually won't warranty a new compressor unless both are replaced.

I've been quite happy with the Astro's conversion with the new compressor. Although it doesn't work terribly well in stop-'n-go traffic (big surprise there right), it works quite nicely as long as it's moving.

Good luck.

Bill

 

[larry bud]

I had flushed everything when I converted over. But it *IS* the original compressor. From what I understand, R134 is smaller molecules, which could leak in a system which might hold R12. I'm no chemist, so this might be someone blowing smoke...


Anyone have any opinions about buying a remanufactured compressor? I found a source which will sell the R4 for about $140 vs. $260 new.

 

[TWINRAY]

My .02 is that the price difference does not justify buying rebuilt. I fixed my power steering system with a new valve, new cylinder & "remanufactured" (a fancy term for rebuilt) pump. Had a problem with the pump with the screwed fitting. Knew I shudda bought a new one but thought I'd save a few bucks, even though I bit the bullet on the other new parts. Buy new.

 

[LuckyVette]

I've had problems with both new and reman. Corvettes of Houston put two 4 Seasons remans (without asking if I wanted new or reman)in my '86 and both of them failed (for different reasons) after one month. When I had them put a new Delphi compressor in, one failed in a month, and the second is still going. I think all these failures have to do with improper installation, but that is pure speculation.

I just thought I would post because there's no sure bet for either type of compressor.

 

[jmccloud]

A/C Repair

geekinavette has the 'secret' flush, flush, flush and get the system clean. The two oils don't mix (12 vs 134 are incompatible). Even after changing the accumulator and orifice and a good flush, it's worth having a pump-down and recharge after a month or so of use. A local shop gives a 3 year warranty only on condition of all these steps, including the pump-down and recharge.