R-12 to R-134a Retrofit; was Re: IML: Change Over for 1975 AutoTemp

[Elijah Scott <imperial1971@xxxxxxxxx>]

Brad Hogg <luxoliner@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Disassemble  the system, take the hoses off, throw away the dryer (buy a new one)  flush out the condensor, compressor, evapourator and lines using a  proper AC system flush solution. Replace any incompatile O rings and  hoses. Reassemble and fill with R-134a.
I agree with Brad's cousin.  I have converted both my '71 and my '70 Imperials to use R-134a with excellent results.  
  
  I've been using R-134a in my '71 Imperial since 1999.  The  compressor and hoses are original; the expansion valve and  receiver/dryer had been replaced a couple of years prior to the  conversion.  I did not replace any hoses or O-rings at the time of  the conversion.  I used a $35.00 kit from WalMart that had an oil  charge and refrigerant charge.  The system still has a sloooooooow
  leak, so I usually have to put 1 or 2 cans of R-134a in over the course  of a year, but at $2.50 per can, who cares?  The system blows  36-40 degrees at the dash vents.
  
  I did a few extra steps with the conversion on my '70 in 2003.  I  replaced all the O-rings with new R-134a compatible O-rings (they're  green and cost about $3.00 for a set); replaced the receiver/dryer with  a new one that specificed R-134a compatibility; and cleaned all the  hoses, condensor, and evaporater using denatured alcohol and compressed  air.  I also removed and cleaned the expansion valve--similar to  Chris Hawkins's experience, the expansion valve had some rust and trash  blocking the screen.  Total cost for the conversion, including oil  charge, gallon of denatured alcohol, O-rings, and refrigerant was well  under $100.00.
  
  As with most things, different cars will have different quirks to get  the job done, but my experience indicates that Imperials
 cool  exceptionally well with R-134a.
  
  Best luck!
  
  Elijah

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