The amount of R134 you put in there sounds about right if the original R12 was only 3 pounds. Verify that is the correct amount, though, because it sounds very low to me. See if there is a metal tag on the compressor which tells you how much R12 was supposed to be in there - I remember more like 4 or even 4.5 pounds for those old systems. Your system should have a sight glass - if it does, see if it is running clear, or if you see suds going past the window - if you do, you could probably safely charge it a little higher. Watch those pressures, though, don't exceed 275 PSI on the high side, hot day, system running at maximum cooling. Dick Benjamin ----- Original Message ----- From: "Philippe Courant" <accf-club@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Cc: "Fwdlk" <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2003 10:28 AM Subject: IML: A/C (R134) on '57 Imperial > Hi, > Ther's already a ton of messages about conversions R12 - R134 (see > http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Air/refit.htm) so i don't need an > advise or "if it works" but just a fact: > > what should be the filling charge with R134 if my '57 FSM says 3 pounds > (of R12) ? > > I've charge the system with 134 (yes, i've change oil with lot of > problem: need to remove the V2 compressor oil sump and had after a lot > of leaks with "home made" gasket. Bought one new from > CollectorsAutoSupply, no leaks now .. I've also put correct fittings, > new drier and .. that's all !). I've put around 2 1/4 pounds (someone > said that you must charge to 75 - 80 % of the old R12 charge), the > system works but the air is not very cold, just refreshed... > Not sure if the system will last long (rubber hoses ?) but the "red > necks" at meeting are on their as.. when i say "yes, in 1957, US cars > had A/C and it still works .." > In France we've now A/C cars, yes, since .. 10 or 15 years !!! So when > you say that a fifty years car have AC they don't believe you (until > they see the compressor..) > > I also understand why convertibles have been "killed" by A/C. Today, 90° > F (very hot for France !), driving in town, so i kept my (soft)top up > and put A/C on ... > > -- > > Philippe COURANT (Pau, France)- Webmaster des sites ACCF et C-I-F > Imperial 1957 Crown convertible > Buick 1996 Roadmaster wagon > > - American Car Club de France (ACCF) : http://www.accf.com > > - Chrysler Imperial France (C-I-F) : http://www.ifrance.com/c-i-f > > - Cadillac " Standard of Excellence " : http://www.ifrance.com/accf-cad > > - SportsCars : http://www.ifrance.com/accf-sprtcar > > > > >