Summer has arrived. Temperatures soaring!
Suddenly your auto air conditioner has become an important part of your life. Maybe it's not doing the job it was designed to do.
We CAN HELP. Auto air conditioners are not friendly toward patchwork or partial repair. Do it right the first time. It's the cheapest way long term. Both General Motors and Ford Motor Company have reversed their thinking on retrofit. We believe that as long as R12 is available repairs should be completed in a conventional manner. There are some few cases where retrofit is feasible.
Place your auto air in the hands of a professional you trust. Take his advice. Sad tales and nightmares can be avoided. The temps will soar this summer. Let us help keep you cool.
1. When do I
have to convert to the new R134a refrigerant?
Currently, there is no law or regulation stating that a person must convert
their automotive air conditioning system to R134a.
However, the future does look bleak for R12: and if a major repair is required on a R12 system it may well be in the consumers best interest to convert to the R134a refrigerant. The price of "Freon" has sky-rocketed while the price of R134a has fallen; therefore, it may be a cost effective as well as an environmentally more conscious option to convert.
2. What is the
procedure for retrofitting an older R12 system to the new R134a refrigerant?
Perform the repair exactly as you would if the refrigerant were R12. Only,
instead of using a mineral oil to lubricate the system use an approved ester
oil. Be sure to flush the system completely in order to remove as much of the
residual, mineral oil as possible. Make sure flushing methods are EPA approved.
Evacuate the system for a minimum of 45 minutes and begin charging with R134a
refrigerant. Start with 70 percent of the charge you would use if charging with
R12. Under some conditions, auxiliary condenser cooling fans may be required
or you may need to replace the condenser with an approved serpentine type. Also,
be sure to use the new style o-rings when replacing components. (There are many
new "drop-in" replacement refrigerants currently being tested. We
will keep you posted on their development.)
3. Are the new
parts R134a compatible?
Yes, almost every new replacement part is compatible with R134a. Many compressors
now come without oil so that the installer can determine whether it will be
used for R12 or R134a. (Read warning labels that come with replacement components.)
4. Which tube
collects moisture and is cool? Is that the low pressure line or high pressure
line?
The LOW pressure line is cool and it also collects the moisture.
5. I put too
much oil in the system. What can I do?
Unfortunately, you have only one option. You must recover the refrigerant
and flush the system. You should also replace the drier, again. Too much oil
is as bad (if not worse) than not enough oil. A compressor cannot compress a
liquid. Oil is a liquid; too much can cause compressor damage and poor cooling.
6. What are
the terms and operational parts of an auto a/c system?
An automotive air conditioning system is made up of the following operational
parts or components. Some terms for maintaining your auto air system are also
included.
Refrigerant:
The "working fluid of the A/C system. The refrigerant transports heat from
one part of the system to another. It absorbs heat while turning into gas, and
gives off heat when becoming a liquid.
Evaporator:
The component where the liquid refrigerant vaporizes, absorbs heat, and travels
on to the compressor. The "cold" part.
Compressor:
Pressurizes the refrigerant gas and pumps it to the condenser.
Condenser:
A small radiator that extracts heat from the refrigerant and converts
(condenses) it from a gas to a liquid, then transports the liquid to the accumulator.
Accumulator/Receiver:
A storage tank and filter for the liquid refrigerant. Excess fluid
is stored here and moisture is removed.
Orifice Tube/ Expansion Valve:
Regulates the liquid refrigerant going to the Evaporator. Here the
liquid again changes back into a gas, cools the Evaporator fins and gives off
cool air that is blown into the car by the fan. The cycle then repeats itself.
Compressor Clutch:
Engages and disengages the system.
Refrigerant Oil:
The system lubricant.
Discharge:
To vent all system refrigerant.
Evacuate:
To remove all system moisture and refrigerant.
Performance Test:
A complete test of all operations of the climate control system.
Leak Test:
A check of all system components and connections for refrigerant leaks.
Open 5 days a week for repairs • Most major credit cards accepted
• Towing service
Bob
Andrews Motors, Inc.
1111 Harden St. • Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-799-6465 •
Fax 803-799-8161
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