My wagon needs a new A/C compressor, which got me to thinking can I change the compressor to a newer R134a along with the dryer & evaporator or just replace the R12 compressor and convert to R134a? Has any body done this before?
Need to know which compressor you have. if you have the R4, they have a version using 134a. All you change is the compressor (and the pulley to match your V-belts) and the receiver/dryer (the big vertical aluminum container; there may be one to fit your wagon's configuration), and IIRC, the orifice tube. Been many years since I converted one. But it is doable, and after it's done, you'll be so very happy.
Once again I know nothing. But....... Recently my son redid the AC on his 1985 Chevy truck. Check with O'Reileys and Advance Auto. Between the two he bought a new compressor, dryer, lines, condensor, etc. I'm thinking under $400 and did the install himself with 134A. It will freeze you out here in 100+ Florida heat.
I've yet to pop the hood on my 83 to look but I'm sure there would be a part # on it some where in view, parts store then can tell you what you have.
Air conditioning work isn't for the inexperienced. If you don't even know the type of compressor that is installed in your car, then I suggest that you don't have enough knowledge to do the job yourself. Refrigeration fluid under high pressure is extremely dangerous to work with, unless you have the training and tools. I suggest that you look for a local technician to either assist you, or to do the job completely. You can be maimed for life if you do something wrong, and it isn't worth the savings to pay with your body and health.
That's not a problem I own an auto body shop and work on a/c all the time, but we're set up for R134a not R12, so it was a simple question as to how to tell which compressor I have. I may very well know more about a/c than most people.
I'm sure most auto parts stores can look that up for you. It's not rocket science. My son, almost 26, has been doing AC work along with general auto repair over five years. There are things to know and like anything care must be taken. If you've done 134a only the gas is different. I've read that the gas used to clean computer parts works well and is much cheaper.
Assuming that your car is the one in your profile, the air conditioning compressor is a R4 compressor. In 1983, it might be mounted with either SAE or metric bolts, so depending on the replacement compressor mounting holes, you might need to replace the bolts.
I'm on the verge of replacing the a/c system in my Malibu wagon. I originally had the big A6 axial compressor in it running R12, and now I will be going with an R4 with 134A. My friend gifted me with the proper brackets to mount the R4 compressor. Of course I will replace the evaporator, drier, condenser, orifice tube, etc. Running 134A, I was told to replace the condenser with a new parallel flow unit. I will probably purchase my components from RockAuto. I'm in a slight quandary about what brand of compressor to buy. I'm looking at a Four Seasons brand. I have been mulling over the reviews online, and it could make you nuts. You get the good and bad, is it made in China, etc. I heard even the Delco/ Delphi stuff is probably made offshore. Another recommendation is to not waste your money on a reman'd unit. Let me know what you end up going with. Like I said, I'm in the same boat. Oh, I will also replace the heater core while I have the airbox apart to replace the evaporator core. Go in on RockAuto's website under '83 Malibu or El Camino. https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?ck[ID]=0&ck[idlist]=0&ck[viewcurrency]=USD&ck[PHP_SESSION_ID]=ttt4a2hpfkp4b42l8s0l4er435
The only thing you have to do is change oil in the system. R12 uses Mineral oil and R134 uses Ester oil. Blow the lines out and reinstall Ester oil. Make sure you fill the new compressor with appropriate oil. I used to be a taxicab mechanic and have changed many over, never changed any compressor and never had a problem. Change receiver drier and orifice tube if applicable. The parts store will try to sell you a ton of stuff you don't need. You might also consider using green O rings when re-assembling.
Thanks for your reply and information, Dodgeguy. My system will be all new and void of any traces of R12 or mineral oil. Now, what's the difference between ester oil and PAG oil? Btw, I love your avatar. Is that your Dodge wagon? It reminds me of the old Ramchargers. That's one bad to the bone machine. Jack
