Who has AC experience/knowledge?

[Owen]

This is a non-Z issue but will eventually be applied to my Z.

 

I'm installing a junkyard AC into my CRX. The system is R12 and everything on the market now is R134A. I bought a R-134A manifold gauge set from Harbor Freight and an R-12 to R-134A conversion set from a local auto supply shop.

 

The hoses from the gauge don't match up to the conversion kit...after some research, I discovered that all R-134As use quick disconnects. (So why the hell don't the manifold gauge sets sold by HF as well as other stores, come with them?!?)

 

I need the quick couplings that attach to the hi and low side fittings on the car. Are they the same as the quick couplings that attach to the manifold gauge set? Or do I need special ones?

 

 

OR....

 

Are the quick disconnects on the side of the manifold just there for storage??? The brass fittings don't have any holes in them. If so I won't need to buy anything!

 

Also, can anyone explain to me how to use the manifold gauge set? The instructions sucked! Any instructions I've seen use only 3 hoses at most, why are there two ports for each side? That would be 6 hoses total! ?????

 

I've never owned a car with AC, this is all a mystery to me...

 

Here's some "retrofitting not recommended" info. from Sanden.

http://www.sanden.com/support/RETRO.html

 

Thanks,

Owen

[Phantom]

Owen,

There is a product on the market called "Freeze 12" - http://www.autorefrigerants.com.

It is a direct replacement for R12 but is more environmentally friendly and a lot less expensive than R12. You don't have to modify anything to use it in an R12 system.

[Owen]

Sweet, I'll look into that. My manifold gauge is still R-134A tho...

Owen

[Clifton]

You can get the R134 adapters at Checker Auto. The picture you posted looks like it ataches to the gauges, you need the one that screws on to your R12 ports. There should only be 3 hoses, a low side, high side and the yellow hose for evacuating/filling. The 3 other fittings on the manifold are just to attach the hoses to when not using them. Here's for the how to use question. http://www.ackits.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Chart

 

You should check out there forum, alot of answers. http://www.ackits.com/forum/index.cfm

[Owen]

I have the adapters that screw on to the R12 ports. What I need is something to connect the hose to these adapters.

 

The gauge set I have has two hoses with quick connects, and they look like they attach to the manifold, but the manifold fittings are solid-no-hole. So I was wondering if they are just to attach the hoses when the entire set is not in use?

This is what I have.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2435

 

The other set they sell has the knobs on the ends instead of the fittings. This picture makes more sense than the instructions, it seems I already have everything I need.

Owen

[Clifton]

The 3 other fittings on the manifold are just to attach the hoses to when not using them.

[Mike kZ]

Owen' date='

There is a product on the market called "Freeze 12" - http://www.autorefrigerants.com.

It is a direct replacement for R12 but is more environmentally friendly and a lot less expensive than R12. You don't have to modify anything to use it in an R12 system.[/quote']

 

Acording to these guys Freeze 12 is not so good: http://www.ackits.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=3&threadid=6866&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE= .It is made up of 80% 134a and 20% of 142b . Give it a read.

[80LS1T]

The R-12 to R124a kit should have come with the correct fittings to convert the R-12 fittings you have on your car to the R134a quick disconnects that you need. They should screw on over the R12 fittings and then the R134a fitting will be on top.

 

The gauge set you have should work then if you have the correct fittings from the R134a conversion kit.

 

And the "extra" fittings on the side are to hand the hoses up on.

 

 

Guy

[Sumo]

Just a word of caution on the 134A Owen, make sure you replace all the O-rings with the Silicone O-rings (basically rubber rings dipped in blue silicone) then fill 80% capacity only of original specs.(83% in my case) otherwise overfilling it would actually make it warmer.

 

By the way i've used Freeze 12 and it is only a couple of degrees warmer. I used this kit from E-bay on a guess-timate basis using the stop leak, lube and only two cans of Freeze 12 on an 87 Acura Legend. With the temps in the high 90's the A/C did pretty good and still has Freeze 12 in it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7912492060&category=46094

[Owen]

Thanks guys, was able to charge the car up last nite. As for the o-rings, I've read a couple of tech bulletins that the only things that really need to be changed are the drier and the oil in the compressor.

 

The drier I have says R-12 or R-134A, so you don't need a specific drier as long as you don't mix the refigerants.

 

Z AC is next!

Owen

[Guest greimann]

Hey Owen!

 

After converting my '91 Chevy pickup to R134a about two years ago, I have always been disappointed with the cooling capacity, or lack thereof compared to the R12. Recently I installed a hydrocarbon based refrigerant and am thrilled with the results. Cold air at last in all conditons! { insert chilly willy emoicon here]

 

Note that this stuff and similar products are essentially butane and propane - flammable But it works great! Also, figure on using only .33 X the volume of a system that would take R12, so it is economical too. Get it here:

http://www.btt.org/FAQ.html

[Owen]

Hey! How's it going???

 

So far, the CRX pumps out ice cold air almost immediately. I picked up another AC set from the junkyard this weekend and will begin building it into the Z. Stupid me, I hope I can find a pulley that will work with the import compressor or vice-versa.

Owen