Hi Brian:

I'm in the process of using such a kit now.

I've learned that it's not as simple to do PROPERLY as the kits say.

Here's what the A/C techs (licensed Journeymen) at work have done (so
far...).

1. Tested the R12 system pressure prior to doing anything (low);
2. PUMPED out the old R12 for safe recovery
3. Pulled a hard vacuum, and applied high pressure (nitrogen) to test for
leaks, (found none);
4. Drained oil from compressor (and put a new head on, but that's another
story);
5. Blew out all other remaining system oil with nirogen;
6. Removed and replaced Receiver-dryer with a new one;
7. Replaced all O-rings prior to installation of components;
8. Redid vaccuum tests - found a leak - could not hold vaccuum for proper
length of time.

That's where we're at now - they suspect it needs a small amount of oil and
r-134 to make the seals function properly.

Stay Tuned!

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy Auto, A/C Auto

>Howdy listees;
>
>With the current Northeast heatwave makin' me hot, I thought I'd look into
my
>85 GL's Air Conditioning System.
>
>My A/C is NOT the one in all the books, where it runs the length of the Van
>and has some of the mechanism above the rear hatch --  mine is instead,
almost
>completely in a large "T" shaped console that starts just above the center
of
>the front windshield and travels along the ceiling to above and slightly
>behind the driver and passenger headrests. Tubing runs down the left side
just
>behind the driver's seat, where I guess it feeds into the compressor in the
>engine and the A/C radiator in the front.
>
>This means some extra dipping of the head when moving from the rear to the
>front of the vehicle (many friends have already bumped their heads on this
>thing!).
>
>While I was in Pep-Boys recently, I spotted a conversion kit for older GM
>cars. Basically, you bleed off the old refrigerant (r-12(?)), and then add
>this conversion screw with a new inlet, and then refresh with r-134a(?) and
>it's supposed to work just fine, even in old A/C units.
>
>So, my question of the day is: Can I do this to my Van? Is there a quick
>conversion kit that will allow me to run the new refrigerant in my old A/C?
>I'd really like to be able to drive in the hotter days of the year (not
that
>112 isn't considered hot right now!!) without melting inside the van.
>
>So if anyone has done this before - particularly if you've done it before
on
>the type of A/C I have, could you please recount your experiences?
Remember,
>I'm still a newbie at being mechanically inclined!
>
>Thanks!
>Brian Cirulnick
>techrat@vm.com
>
>
>
>
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>
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