donnieb22000

I have a 93 del sol s model and the a/c is trying to blow out cold air but i been told i need some more freon. So i was just wondering are those r12 conversion kit to r134a safe to use ? Thanks in advance : - )

mk378

A 1993 may be factory 134a. Check the fill fittings by removing the plastic cap. If R-12 they will have a conical top and threads on the outside. If 134a they have a flat top and a groove for a quick-connector on the outside.

You can convert, but don't use that kit.
The two problens with the kit are

1. the oil. The oil used with R-12 does not mix with R-134a and will just sit in place, impeding heat transfer and not lubricating the compressor. You really need to remove the compressor from the car, drain it, and put in new POE oil. Also replace the receiver drier because it is full of old oil.

2. the aluminum conversion fittings. They are prone to leak. There are much better steel conversion fittings on the market.

You can also find real R-12. Don't use the hydrocarbon stuff (Envirosafe, FR-12, etc) either stay with R-12 or convert to 134a.

fcm

Ditto the Above^^^

To do a proper retrofit you will need to flush out all the mineral oil, to do that properly you will need to remove the compressor, replace the filter/dryer, fill with the correct amount of A/C oil, Ester oil works best, then do a proper vacuum, [min. .75hr longer is better] then recharge with correct amount, [about 75% of R12 charge] of R134a.

The question is how long do you plane to keep your car? 94

mk378

Also if you ever have the opportunity with the system at zero pressure, before evacuate and charge pull the evaporator box and clean out the 20+ years of leaves and mouse nests. You'll get a lot better airflow. This should be considered on any conversion project where the evaporator is easily removable (most Japanese cars are like that, as back in those days the A/C was bolted on at the dealer for tax reasons)

fcm

Again Ditto the above,^^^ also a good time to replace the expansion valve the most common fail point of an older A/C system, and cheap. 94

donnieb22000

Wow that was fast i didn't expect a reply so soon. Thanks guys for trying to help me with my a/c problem. I checked i can only use r 12 and i need something called suniso 5gs refrigerant oil lol I still have the original owner manual lol But fixing my a/c sounds complicated I think ill go ahead and get the pros to do a conversion. I don't think it would be that much to get it done. Once again thanks guys

donnieb22000

The question is how long do you plane to keep your car? 94[/QUOTE]


For at least another 3 or 4 years cause im cheap lol

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Good time to add an interior cabin air filter too, as per my DIY (check sig).

fcm

The retrofit is not cheep if done at a shop as most of it is labour, [to do it right].

If you can turn a wrench you can do most of it yourself.

First and most important is to flush the system to remove all the mineral oil, this requires you to remove the compressor and a lot easier if you pull the evaporator, you can buy A/C flush at any refrigerant supply shop.

Drain the oil out of the compressor and pour in some flush, shake and drain, do the same with the evaporator and condenser, blow out with compressed air, [nitrogen would be better].

Once the system is flushed out, install correct amount of oil, Ester oil, split between the compressor and the new dryer, [dryer must be replaced] and add 1oz of C4 oil to compressor.

Reinstall everything using new R134a O rings, [oil the O rings with C4 oil before reconnecting] replace expansion valve with a new one.

Install new adjustable "retrofit" pressure switch.

Remove the Schrader valves in the R12 service ports and install R134a service ports, your done, and have saved about $400, [depending on shop].

With that said and as mentioned, check and make sure system is not already an R134A system, Honda/Acura made the change over on some new models, [that started in 93] to R134a before 94'

R12 service port... R12 Service Port

R134a service ports... 2 Pcs A C Service Charging Port Adapter Retrofits R12 Port to R134a w Free 2CAPS | eBay

There are two sizes of high side retrofit service ports, one is a little bigger then the other, if your R12 service ports are the same size, get the same size retrofit service ports but if the high side R12 service port is a little bigger then the low side R12 service port, make sure you get the correct size retrofit port.

An A/C flush kit will cost you $50, no need for compressed air.
An O ring kit will cost about $20, it is important that the correct O rings are used, pretty easy on a Honda as it uses "standard" O rings, #6, #8, #10 and maybe #12s, you can get them specific to your car.
The retrofit service ports will be around $10, [again get the correct size high side].
The expansion valve will be about $20
The dryer will be about $10
A retrofit adjustable pressure switch will be under $2,[may not be needed, just for fine tuning].

You can double, [at least] the above pricing if you go to a shop, what you save by ding most of the work yourself will pay for a nitrogen pressure test and the vac and recharge. 94