Date:         Sun, 6 Jun 1999 23:03:57 -0500
Reply-To:     Joshua Van Tol <jjvantol@USWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Joshua Van Tol <jjvantol@USWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: R134 conversion.
In-Reply-To:  <3243-37529E18-23585@postoffice-153.iap.bryant.webtv.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>Read with interest the input. Query- Why make it difficult when its so
>simple. KMart sells a kit for $39.95 which includes the new oil, 3 cans
>of R134, Filling hose and all the fittings necessary. The only thing I
>added was a can of AC stop leak. The system had a very slow leak and
>emptied itself over a period of 6 months or so.   R12 & R134 are
>completely compatible. No other parts need be changed.

But this method would leave the old mineral oil in the system, and would
not address the problem with the receiver drier bottle. The old mineral oil
will reduce efficiency a bit, maybe not a whole lot, but enough that the
suggested way to retrofit is to remove the oil, and replace with ester or
pag oil.

The receiver drier supplied with r-12 systems is not adequate for R-134a,
it must be replaced or dire things MIGHT happen eventually.

Using this kit is a bit of a gamble. The system will not perform as well as
it should, and some damage will occur to the entire system due to the lack
of dessicant capacity, and the presence of air in the system.

>The conversion was done almost a year ago and is still going strong - -
>no problems- I use it here in Fl. most every day.


Like any air conditioner, yours will break eventually. I'll bet it'll break
sooner than usual though.

Joshua Van Tol -- jjvantol@uswest.net