Sure R-134a works just fine in a system that was designed for it, the problem is trying to make it work in a R-12 system. The original R-12 systems were not exactly oversized to begin with, running R-134a at anything above about 85F is a real challenge, and the pressures are tough on the compressor.

Indeed. I do advocate converting R12 systems to 134a.

It's OK as long as it never gets over about 80-85F where you live/drive. Any hotter and you will be disappointed in the performance.

And not just the performance either! The higher head pressures associated with R134A are what is burning up the compressor and eating it alive. I would go with R12 First, but if that is not an option, then Envirosafe works well and it is legal in most states. It will also reduce the load on your compressor and your engine.:D

Hey Bart That was an odd comment. How much do you know about grease? I found the more I drive on grease the better my car runs. 128 MPG Diesel is not bad for the pocketbook, either. Its the only car that could pay for itself. Deisel is one of those dirty fuels that kills YOUR engine, in this country anyway. Our fuel will eventually get cleaner and diesels will flood the market. People are going to like getting 50 - 70 MPGs. :D

Dude, your not thinking in the right direction. Chuck Norris & Newt G aren't going to tell you that the oil drilling plans signed off today make it to your tank in 20 years. That's not going to bring down the price at the pump. We need to drive something else. Google MDI air car, There are onboard solar electric cars. Car companies have the know how to make an ordinary car get extraordinary MPGs, they just aren't going to play that card until they have to. The gas in the US is cheap compared to other countries that's why they use CNG or have smaller cars and use a bike to get around. I listen to public radio and I approve this message.

Albuquerque?
how do these two messages relate?

gents,

i have a little problem re identification: i cleaned off my AC compressor on my 87 300DT and the sticker w/ the serial # was scratched out. looks like this might have been a salvage part and the yard (by law?) scratched out the serial #. anyways, i carefully peeled off some of the sticker nad i believe it said nippondenso. so are ND A/Cs R12 or R134? are there other, physical telltale signs?

also, like craig said, above 85F my A/C is really struggling. when i got my car last summer, i literally had to park under the shade and run the AC for a good 3 minutes before getting it. i intend to learn more about the AC and fix it during the winter months.

I missed a very-important word up there, "NOT!"

Thanks, Craig. To be specific, I do NOT advocate converting R12 systems to R134a.

300D Strike 4
 

Another day another blown A/C unit. Just keeping a diary here. Maybe this one is still under warrantee. :confused:

134a was mandated in the mid 90's. Your '87 should have been charged w/R12 initially.

If you are ever in the area and want it converted back to r12 let me know. I convert them back fairly regularly and successfully for a very fair price for labor and r12. I go with all new parts and get good prices on new Delco r4 compressors and whatever a/c parts that it will needed.

In regards to your blowup it sounds like you have a plugged high side which results in the pressure opening the relief valve at around 400 psi. This indicates a health compressor by the way:). It makes quite a fuss when it relieves. If that is not it then you have a busted/leaking hose or connection somewhere.

You will never be happy with the r134 if you live in the south unless you install a p-flow condenser.

Just be thankful you don't have a servo!

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[QUOTE=Matt L;1841524]If you get compressor fragments distributed throughout the system, replacing the compressor gets a lot more involved. If you have a parallel-flow condenser, it will likely need to be replaced as you cannot flush these very well.

Loos canon post. Sorry