Date: Wed, 07 Jan 1998 07:16:55 GMT From: Ywan Mason <ymasonnopsamsouth.net> Subject: Re: need Air compressor, time to convert?
With the price of R-12 being what it is, if you elect for a used or rebuilt compressor, defintely convert. You will be doing it again. R-12 is almost $60/lb retail now, if not higher. You must be licensed to legally buy it. The Saab holds between 2 and 3 lbs. R 134a is $6/lb and anyone may purchase it currently. Due to failure rates, our shop no longer installs either rebuilt or used compressors. They might be warrantied, but we are yet to find a manufacturer to warrant the labor or the refrigerants and materials when they do. And I hate doing things twice, whether they pay or not. But for the money differences, you might want to take the gamble if you do the work yourself. Most shops don't want you bringing your parts. Its sort of like bringing your food to a resturant. If you use a new compressor, convert as well. By the time it fails, R-12 may not be available. Current MACS projections say late 1998 for the end of the supplies of R 12. Who knows for sure. Conversion requires replacement of DISTURBED o rings, flushing the system to rid as much of the R-12 oil as possible, replacement of the receiver drier, use of ESTER oil, and charging at approximately 80% of the R-12 level. Also make sure the cooling system is up to the task asked of it. Do not use PAG oil in a conversion. It reacts with any residual oil from the R-12 that may be dissolved into the rubber of the system and deposits detrimentally in the system. PAG oil is used in systems that have only been and always will be R 134a. Ester oil was developed for compatibility with either PAG or R-12 (mineral) oil. If you get a rebuilt compressor, make sure it is compatible with R 134a if you convert, some aren't. Also consider that converting to R134a involves a significant increase in the working pressure of the system. Weaknesses, be it in the compressor, hoses, cooling system, whatever, will become evident.
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