1982 300SD A/C questions
 

Starting this for LarryBible :P

I'm wanting to overhaul the a/c system on my 82 300SD. The compressor is seized and that will be replaced.

For the sake of having a argument, should I go for Freeze 12 or R134a? The PO already converted it for R134a (abeit very poorly).


I'll be going through the system properly (replacing all o-rings in the process, flushing, leak testing, etc).

Also, what oils should I use for the system?

For the sake of clarity, are Freeze 12 and R134a the only choices that you can, or are willing to consider? I am trying to have a lot of needless posts about R12, or other refrigerants if you will not consider other alternatives. As it is you are asking which of the two choices listed is best.

To begin with, in the case of compressor siezure it is IMPERATIVE that you THOROUGHLY and COMPLETELY flush the ENTIRE system. Since you must do that anyway it would be just as easy to go back to R12. It is not much more expensive than 134 and will keep the system working better, longer.

Replace the r/d and put it in place the last thing.

Good luck,

And don't forget a new expansion valve....;)

R12 cheaper than any other gas ;), but I MISSED it; darn. Less than $3 per lb.

http://cgi.ebay.com/R12-Refrigerant-EPA-required-Pick-Up-Only_W0QQitemZ190088982659QQcategoryZ109488QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item190088982659

Wow, that jug of R12 is 25 mins away from me, too bad I missed it. My only gripe about getting R12 is needing the ASE cert to buy it. And is there a difference in R12 quality? My friend has a case of it from Mexico. Although I've been told not to use it due to poor quality.

If the r12 is no properly reclaimed, filtered, and dried, then yes, it is poor quality.

If you go with 134a, use the oil designed for GM compressors, since the R4 is a crappy GM design. That oil is thicker, and since the R4 does not have a sump area, I was told by many A/C guys to use the thicker oil.


The GM A6 was a good one IMHO. I wish there was a way to make it fit on the 617.

My car was already setup w/134, so when I had to replace some stuff, I stayed with the 134.

It's NOT ASE certification that is required for purchasing of R12. It is an EPA 609 certification. You can get it by taking an online, open book test for $15 online. It is very simple. Go to IMCA.ORG.

Good luck,