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Those are called "death kits" for a valid reason
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Posted by Steven W [Email] (more from Steven W) on Thu, 28 Jul 2005 20:42:39 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: Converting AC to R143??, largelylivin, Thu, 28 Jul 2005 09:31:46
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These kits are really to be used on an air conditioning system that has already been purged and flushed of all R12 and mineral oil. The reason why they are called "death kits" is because people typically use the stuff without removing the remaining R12, and the associated mineral oil. R134 will not circulate mineral oil, so PAG or Ester oils need to be used. The problem is that they do not mix well with mineral oils, not to mention the fact that the AC system will get too filled up with oil which will "slug" the compressor. Slugging is when liquid gets back into the compressor. Since liquid is not compressable, it will damage the compressor. Mixing the refrigerants too, also increases head pressures. and since most of these kits do not come with a complete gauge set, most users do not know that their high-side pressures are getting dangerously high, which end up either causing personal injury, or destroying the AC system.

My recommendation is that you can go ahead and use one of these kits, but do all the prelimenary stuff before you go and use the kit. You will want to have any leaks and malfunctions repaired before doing anything. First, have the system evacuated and flushed (cleaned) of all old oils, and any dirt & debris that may be in it. The proper amount of PAG or Ester oil will need to be added to each component. Newer style compressors, like the SAAB uses, rely on a continuous flow of oil through the system for lubrication. Replace the accumulator (sometimes called a receiver/dryer). This is manditory any time the system is opened. This piece contains a filter that not only keeps debris from flowing through the system, it also removes moistore, which will cause all sorts of mystery aliments. Finally The system will need to be vacuumed down. This not only removed the non-condensable air, it also lowers the boiling point of any moisture in the system and allows it to boil off at ambient temperature. The new refrigerant will be drawn into the vacuum, and will pressurize the system enough to activate the pressure switch. Many of these kits contain an oil charge, so reduce the amount of oil you install in the system by however much will be injected in the kit. THE AMOUNT OF OIL IN THE SYSTEM MATTERS!! Too much oil, and the system won't cool properly, and the compressor will be slugged. Too little oil...well, you know what happens to engines that don't have any oil in them!

Hope this helps... Just don't go jumping the gun and doing something you'll regrest. Go ahead and spend the $200-300 and get a shop to do the job for you if you don't have the necessary tools and equipment to do it right. The shop may also find some other issues to that may cause impending problems in the future too. Expansion valves on SAAB's are notorious for malfunctioning!

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