I had my AC system redone and converted to R134 - new compressor (Napa), new drier (Napa), new expansion valve (Lexus). Had the system flushed entirely, then rebuilt. First compressor made a wickedly loud noise like the bearings were screaming.

Bought a second compressor, and had them swapped out. Second compressor makes the same noise as the first.

We're all stumped. Any thoughts?

 

Hello,

I have the same problem for 5 years now and would appreciate any solutions besides a new compressor. Flushing the system made it a bit quiter but not much.

Chris

 

Was it recharged properly with the correct oil charge and about 80-85% of the R12 capacity of R134A?

 

Hi,

I dont know how the system was flushed, but an acurate description would be helpful.

Chris

 

When you flush an A/C system you're to do that for a few reasons...

to remove all old oil (swapping from R12 to R134)
or if you have a hardcore system failure to remove all metal bits that are as a result.

Anytime you open the A/C system you need to replace the dryer/accumulator and associated o-rings at the location you open it at.

Also on the '96 the expansion device is behind the dash as I recall and that's a BIG PITA to replace, so I'd leak test the system after flushing it to see if you have any problems. That's not something I'd like to have to replace.



My system took a dump about two months ago, I picked up a used compressor for $300 that I threw on. I haven't charged it yet but probably will this week. I got almost 10 years/200k from it. HVAC systems aren't that bad to work on, just take a lot of time to do them properly.

 

why not just use that new refrigerant that is compatible with the older systems? i hear it even runs colder than R134

 

Like that Freeze-12 junk?

IMO I'd never convert a vehicle over. If it was R12 stick with it, at times the system is designed around it. i.e. The condensor can be so small it can't cool well enough to make R134 be efficient.

Many of the replacement refrigerants use stuff such a propane to help cool down... not sure about you but I'd rather not have something that can ignite aside from fuel under my hood.

 

So your saying stick with R12. Ive been looking to recharge my system, and i was wondering where can you get R12 anymore, i thought they stopped making it when they brought in the new R134. I cant find the R12 anywhere, do you have to go to a shop to have them do it. i.e. do they only supply R12 to professional shops anymore???

 

Yes stick with R12 if your car had it from the get-go. If you're down a pound or so, it's cheaper to just find the leak and reuse your existing R12 that's in there. It's valuable. R12 cools better that R134 but the EPA had some statement regarding it that it was an envrio hazard... then everything went to R134 in what, 1996?

I'm not sure if they still make it or not, I know I've seen 30lbs tanks at the local shops here (of fresh nonrecovered R12). Also you can buy it online and at stores if you have an EPA Certification, basically give the government some money after you show them you know that you can handle the stuff in a proper manner. i.e. Do not vent into the atmosphere, recycle used compressor oil properly, etc. Basic stuff.

Also, last I looked at some 134A the price had shot up to nearly the same price of R12 for some strange reason.

 

The compressors were noisy because they were faulty - I finally got one from Lexus that was perfect . AC works great now and is cold as hell.

If you need a small bump in the R12 system, then you should stay with R12. If you need a new AC system, then you should swap over to R134 - R12 is awfully hard to find and it's about $35 a can now. In addition, the swap over will increase your resale value.

R134 costs a buttload now because DuPont closed their factory last year for "retooling", then never opened it up again. Rumor is they wanted to drive up the prices by tweaking supply - it's worked. New rumor is that they'll reopen the factory in Aug/Sept, but no one in the biz expects the price to come down too much.

 

I had my 92LS converted by JP Import in Dallas and have no problem for 2 summers.
I think if it's done properly it should not be a problem. I did that on my other car with no problem
also.

 

R12 is still being made and sold over-the-counter in other countries.