A/C Question for 1984 Delta 88

[ztim]

The clutch on my compressor does not move when I turn the a/c on. This, I was told, was because the pressure is either too low or too high. The switch has 3 wires. One for high and one for low?

Anyway, I looked for a charging system for the 1984 Delta 88. What I found was trigger dispenser for Arctic Freeze 134a.
There was also a higher priced Arctic Freeze Complete Service Kit for $24.47.

The cans of the 134a are $9.97 each. Would this work on my car? Any ideas?
Thanks!

[68/70 Cutlass]

Originally Posted by ztim

The clutch on my compressor does not move when I turn the a/c on. This, I was told, was because the pressure is either too low or too high. The switch has 3 wires. One for high and one for low?

Anyway, I looked for a charging system for the 1984 Delta 88. What I found was trigger dispenser for Arctic Freeze 134a.
There was also a higher priced Arctic Freeze Complete Service Kit for $24.47.

The cans of the 134a are $9.97 each. Would this work on my car? Any ideas?
Thanks!

It depends if your system has been converted to 134a yet.

[ztim]

Can someone explain this for me please?

[Jim's rare 80]

Hi. Let's start with the pressure switch. It has three wires, but if you unplug it, it has only two terminals. It is a low pressure switch only. The low pressure side is what cycles the A/C system. To verify system pressure is the issue, with key in the on position, not running, a/c on, use a small jumper wire to connect the two terminals in the pressure switch plug together, (not the switch itself). You should hear, and see the compressor clutch kick in. If it does, this proves low refrigerant. If not, it is either a clutch, or electrical issue. As for the 134a, it's not comatible to mix with R12. A proper conversion means removing all old R12, changing the filter/dryer, (the piece the pressure switch is mounted to). Big expense. See if you can get a refrigerant that is compatible with R12 systems. Add a leak sealer first, as well. Preventative maitanance. Let us know how it goes. Jim.

[ztim]

I tried it and the clutch tried to kick in. So I guess it is low on refrigerant. I picked up on several kinds of refrigerants so now I have to see if any are R-12 compatible. I will try looking up R-34 and R-434.

[Redog]

If it's not converted to 134 yet, don't try to put it in, You need a license to install the R-12 stuff

[ztim]

So then the "R-12 stuff" is still legal?

[68/70 Cutlass]

Originally Posted by ztim

So then the "R-12 stuff" is still legal?

It is legal. But your not gonna fund it in any store to buy it. Your best bet is to convert it over to 134a. No other freon is compatible to R-12. You also need to flush the system and change the orfice tube and probably the drier too. You need to pump it down and have guages to perform the correct procedure. Sure you can just add more R-12 if you had it. The problem is you gota leak if the freon is gone.

[Jim's rare 80]

Hi. I don't know if it is legal in the US or not, but here in Canada, there is an r-12, and r-134 compatible coolant called Duracool. I have been using it in many vehicles, including both my 80, and 83 Pontiac, for about the last 6 years. No issues. May be available in the US under a different name, Easily available here, and the lines to install it. Best of luck. Jim.

[Oldsfan]

I once converted a system from R-12 to R134a and was not impressed with the performance. It was better than no a/c, but it didn't suit me. R-12 is more expensive than R134a, but it is still available and I recommend using it as long as you can still get it. Demand for R-12 is way down, so it is not as expensive as it once was. Once the R-12 supply has vanished (which won't be anytime soon), then you can think about converting.

Paul

[ozoneblue]

Watch out for some subsitutes many contain propane, And yes it cools well,but dosent mix well with oil

[ztim]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

[ztim]

I found out on another site that HC12a has been illegal since 1995 and Duracool sice 1994. Duracool is made from butane and propane which will then require air to be added to help build the operating pressure. Does that sound right? Because then when one of them leaks (and one will) the pressure will skyrocket and seize the compressor.

[Olds64]

I converted the R12 system on my old 91 Buick Estate Wagon to R134a and was pleased with the results. Like Oldsfan said, the R134a doesn't cool as well as R12 in an older system; however, it was better than nothing, and it definitely kept me comfortable on those hot summer days. When I did the conversion in my AC class in college I opted not to flush the system. I was told that flushing an R12 system when converting to R134a is a hit and miss situation. If you flush the system you will get all of the old crap out of your evaporator and condensor; however, you run the risk of some of that crap getting stuck in your compressor. Ultimately, if you do the conversion all out then you will probably want to put a bigger condensor in the system as well since the R134a doesn't cool as well (i had a few friends that did this and their system blew frigid). Let us know what you do.

[ztim]

So many things to do. This may have to wait now until a few other minor matters get taken care of. Like finding a timing light, windshield wiper bracket, ramps, parking brake...etc. Minor but costly. I guess I will put up with the heat for this summer.

[J-(Chicago)]

Originally Posted by ztim

. I guess I will put up with the heat for this summer.

93 degrees today in Chicago. No A/C and an hour of bumper to bumper traffic put a few more hairs on the chest today. Lovin' it. My car is kind of a rat though so it goes with the territory.