<ALL> E30 A/C R12/R134 INFORMATION YOU CAN USE

["Milliet, Ron P." <RPMILLIE@xxxxxxxxx>]

> I recently converted to R134 on my 87 325is 175k miles.  My AC quit
> cooling and fearing the worse I was gearing up for a major overhaul and
> conversion.  Turns out the low side line had developed a leak. $90.00 from
> the dealer for a hose was all the parts I needed for the repair.  
> 
> Now I am wondering about evac and recharge??  Called several shops and the
> average quote was $150.00 for E/R with R-12!! Disgusted by this and my
> illegal resource having run out, I decided to GO FOR IT!!  After all it is
> JULY in South Mississippi and it is DAMN HOT HERE!!
> 
> A trip to Autozone produced all I needed: 134 Oil, 2-12oz cans of
> SUVA(R134A), conversion kit (2 service fittings and a sticker), and a 134
> fill hose.  All was bought for ~$40.00.  I did not even replace the drier
> which I should have and do advise this part be replaced.  I evaced @ 29 ??
> for one hour, shot the oil in, and started with the 134 gas as I watchced
> the (borrowed) gauges build pressure.  The compressor engaged and started
> cooling.  Two cans of gas (24 oz) cleared up the site glass where it would
> normally take almost 3 cans of R-12 (~33 oz).  I checked the vent temp and
> had ICE CUBES flying out of the dash!!  The pressures followed very
> closely what the Bently had listed for R12.
> 
> I have owned this car since 92 and have never had air this cold.  I have
> paid for two major AC repairs:92 $400.00 and 96 $1,000 for complete deal.
> The AC is simply colder now then ever.
> 
> Now I am wondering why did I not do this sooner?? Then I realized it is
> all the stuff I have read or been told over the years:
> 	"Need special new seals"
> 	"MUST flush system to get all old oil out"
> 	"Will not be nearly as cold"
> 	"134 runs at MUCH higher pressure, will screw up your car"
> 	"Should only be done after major overhaul"
> 	"Will cost a fortune and will suck"
> 
> I did this exactly one month ago and have not had any problems.  I delayed
> posting this information since I am dealing with such unknowns.  It might
> FLY apart today on my way home who knows??  I do know the system is colder
> and quieter now.  I would recommend changing out the drier.  I think the
> BMW conversion kit is a bit expensive @ ~$200.00 when you can buy a new
> drier and universal conversion kit for less than $50.00.  I think you get
> new switches with the BMW kit, but if you don't need them why....
> 
> Anyway...good luck and use at your own risk...YMMV...etc
> 
> Ron Milliet
> Georgia-Pacific
> New Augusta, MS
> 87 325is
> 

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