converting A/C to R134?

[Bokes]

I'm looking at buying a euro e30. 86 325. The a/c needs a recharge, but I figure that I should convert it to R134. What is involved in doing so? How much would it cost me? What kind of labor is involved?

thanks for any help at all. If any of my information is wrong please tell me, because I don't know everything about these cars ha. Feel free to tell me anything else I should know about a euro also. All and any advice is more than welcome :)

thanks,
Bokes

[KenC]

This topic gets beat to death during the Summer. I would say use the search function, but since R3v hasn't been around that long, I'm not sure that it has been covered. But you should try searching first for past posts since this is a common 'upgrade'.

[bimmerphile]

2 approaches to this:

1. The right way
2. The way that works


The right way is to purchase a new compressor, designed for R134a, a new dryer, new o-rings and seals, etc.

The way that works is to flush the entire system, then refill it with R134a.

The problem comes in if you dont get all the R12 out of your system. If that's the case, and you stick in R134a, they will react chemically to create an organic muck, potentially causing you to replace your whole system, depending on the extent of the damage.

--

If I were to do it, I'd do it the right way, and purchase all the parts for about $450 from BMP.

[KenC]

I've heard that you really only need to replace the dryer and the o-rings. And that the compressor will still work, but its just undersized for R134.

[darien28]

i only replaced the dryer...

I had a leak in my R12.. and had to replace the evaporator anyways, so there wasn't any r12 left in the system.

I changed over to r134a over 2 yrs ago, and haven't had a problem since. bought my r134a retrofit kit from kragen autoparts for $30....

[Sean]

R134a is basically just an updated version of Freon?

Just trying to understand what it is - cause my AC needs more Freon. But, i say, screw it. I'll never use the AC anyway. I got a sunroof and windows. 8)

[Matto]

But, i say, screw it. I'll never use the AC anyway. I got a sunroof and windows.

The old 65/3 A/C trick, 65mph and three windows/sunroof.

[Sean]

Ahh, i KNEW there was a technical term for it. :P

Can't forget the rear popout windows too. ;)

This summer's gonna kickass...

[KenC]

R134a is basically just an updated version of Freon?

Just trying to understand what it is - cause my AC needs more Freon. But, i say, screw it. I'll never use the AC anyway. I got a sunroof and windows. 8)

When R134 is used, it doesn't emit any CFCs. R12 is really harmful to the environment, hence why they don't use it anymore. It's VERY expensive when you can find it, and R134 is about $5/can and you can find it at Wal-Mart.

[Sean]

Ohh, I see.

Hmm, very interesting. I may just need to look into that then.

How much DOES R12 run for?

[KenC]

Ohh, I see.

Hmm, very interesting. I may just need to look into that then.

How much DOES R12 run for?

$200+ for a recharge.

[Spaz]

$200?RAPE!

jeez, its like 150 cdn, including the refridgerent, dye, and labour. plus we pressure test the system with nitogen beforehand to make sure there is no leaks.

all you really need to do is replace the dyer(mainly an add on sale...not totally nesscary, its surpose to be replaced everytime the system is opened to the enviroment.)
refill the compressor with correct pag r134a oil, update the fittings with r134a fittings.
refill system with r134a.

replacing the o-rings are not nessary, that is why we pressure test the system first. so we do not have to take everything apart, and then saving the customer money.

in my car, i will replace the o-rings and dyer, as it is cheap insurance, only cause i can do it myself.

but if you never had training on ac DO NOT attemt this, you will get your self into bigger problems. and those who have, some get lucky, some don't.

take my word.
if you need any more a/c questions anwsered please don't resisate to contact me.

btw i can get fairly cheap new a/c parts.


EDIT: sorry i thought ken was talking about r134a, we don;t even offer r12 anymore, it is against the law in british columbia.

[Jordan]

The best way to deal with A/C is to remove it from the car :twisted:

[bimmerphile]

The best way to deal with A/C is to remove it from the car :twisted:

yup. added weight as far as im concerned.

[KenC]

$200?RAPE!

jeez, its like 150 cdn, including the refridgerent, dye, and labour. plus we pressure test the system with nitogen beforehand to make sure there is no leaks.

all you really need to do is replace the dyer(mainly an add on sale...not totally nesscary, its surpose to be replaced everytime the system is opened to the enviroment.)
refill the compressor with correct pag r134a oil, update the fittings with r134a fittings.
refill system with r134a.

replacing the o-rings are not nessary, that is why we pressure test the system first. so we do not have to take everything apart, and then saving the customer money.

in my car, i will replace the o-rings and dyer, as it is cheap insurance, only cause i can do it myself. Maybe I'll have to take a weekend 'retreat' up there.

but if you never had training on ac DO NOT attemt this, you will get your self into bigger problems. and those who have, some get lucky, some don't.

take my word.
if you need any more a/c questions anwsered please don't resisate to contact me.

btw i can get fairly cheap new a/c parts.


EDIT: sorry i thought ken was talking about r134a, we don;t even offer r12 anymore, it is against the law in british columbia.

Cam, I'll definitely be contacting you when Summer rolls around and I have more money. I want to "upgrade" my a/c to R134a. Maybe I'll take a little field trip up to BC. How far are you from the US/CA border?