Maintaining 92 a/c system

SVXMAN2001 · #1 06-15-2010, 08:43 PM

I have noticed an increased amount of threads regarding a/c issues on the forums as of late, understandable considering we all are experiencing much warmer weather. Having said that, my 92 svx like many others is lacking a/c, the aforementioned heat mades a/c practically a necessity. So begins my next project, fixing my lack of a/c issue...

I have had the car for 9 years now, and have not had a/c in it this entire time. Went to Mineke a few years back, they retrofitted the r12 to a r134a system and the system worked pathetically for a week and eventually went back to blowing hot air.

There is certainly a leak somewhere in the system. Rather than troubleshoot I am going to try and replace the major components of the a/c system (all o-rings, compressor, condensor, trinary switch, low/high pressure hoses).

I would like to go back to r12...is this possible? I did a quick search of available parts on subaruparts.com, and they had only 96 parts available (no a/c parts for a 92). These parts all pertained to a r134 system. Are these 134 parts for the newer svx's compatiable with the older 92 parts? Will I be able to run r12 using high/low pressure hoses apparently intended for a 134 system?

Wanted to get some insight before I went ahead and started purchasing incompatiable parts.

Reason I am wanting to stay with r12 is because i've heard that has better cooling capabilities and i already have two cans readily accessible.

BRADY · #2 06-15-2010, 09:51 PM

Well spotted.

I am watching this thread with a microscope to find the answer, as no sooner had I switched to r134a my a/c crapped out.

Mike

dcarrb · #3 06-16-2010, 05:18 AM

My cars have been running r134a for years. We've had a run of 90+, high humidity days here, and both cars are cool and comfortable. I've never been without AC for more than a day, and that was due to an error my mechanic made right for free. Both cars now have aftermarket, remanufactured compressors.

Based on this experience, I believe any AC "conversion" that soon craps-out or cools inadequately is suffering from some problem having nothing to do with the refrigerant used.

dcb

SVX_MY_BABY · #4 06-16-2010, 06:55 AM

Three things.

My 92 was converted to R134 10 or 11 years ago at the dealer and until this year has had ice cold flow. I think your problem is not with the gas but the repair.

More interestingly the mechanic who works on my car just told me that there is a new gas being introduced to replace R134. It runs at extremely high pressure and is environmentally virtually inert. I don't know the name for this new stuff but you may want to check it out if you're going to replace the whole system anyway.

Lastly as I mentioned in another thread I used R12a in my PT and it has worked fine. nice and cool cheap and easily available plus environmentally safe.

Schralper · #5 06-16-2010, 08:43 AM

it seems that most of the time it's the orings that are the problem as they are different r12/134. their are a few to replace.

Cam · #6 06-16-2010, 08:45 AM

I would just keep the freon. r132 and r134 are only around because DuPont was about to lose the patent (originally patented in the 40's and renewed in the 60's with a revised version of freon). They published an article on Ozone depletion and to "support" the environment they came up with r132 and r134. Just a business scam, nothing else. Freon works better, IMHO, and it is probably about as bad for the Ozone as flatulence.

Freeman · #7 06-16-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarrb

My cars have been running r134a for years. We've had a run of 90+, high humidity days here, and both cars are cool and comfortable. I've never been without AC for more than a day, and that was due to an error my mechanic made right for free. Both cars now have aftermarket, remanufactured compressors.

Based on this experience, I believe any AC "conversion" that soon craps-out or cools inadequately is suffering from some problem having nothing to do with the refrigerant used.

dcb

Aftermarket compressors? Where did you get them? How much were they? Can I buy one?

dcarrb · #8 06-16-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freeman

Aftermarket compressors? Where did you get them? How much were they? Can I buy one?

Here's one example. This brand is in my silver SVX now:

http://www.partstrain.com/store/deta...RMS191113.html

dcb

EDIT / DISCLAIMER: I have had no dealings with PartsTrain.com, found via a quick Google search. Buyer beware.

An HRM reman compressor (as linked above) was installed in my silver SVX in December 2007, @ 160,000 miles, at which time the refrigerant was changed to R134a. The system has required no service since.