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r 134a arctic freeze or ice 32

sdwaite on Tue July 27, 2010 4:57 PM User is offline

Year: 1984
Make: chevy
Model: k10
Engine Size: 350
Refrigerant Type: r 134a retrofit

I'm trying to get this old r12 system up and running on r 134a. I have already flushed components and replaced accumulator, orifice tube and manifold lines. I used the air operated venturi pump to vac the system, and know now that I did not run it nearly long enough. I added 1 can of pag100 med viscosity which is like 2 or 3 oz of oil and then 3 12oz cans of just plain r 134a. I now know my system is suppose to have 8 oz of oil and 44oz of r12. It was blowing ok temps at best, shortly there after I heard bearing type noises coming from the compressor and it seemed to shaking or vibrating when it ran. Temps at the vent got worse although somewhat cool. After this I noticed the discharge line on the manifold lines I replaced and it was all coated with black soot. Had I noticed that sooner I probably wouldn't have even tried the system with that compressor. When it was running PSI's were 32 low and 150 high side. I have ran it hardly at all since these discoveries. Have new reman compressor on its way, also going to replace the accumulator again. Along with flush all the components and start fresh again.

So my questions would be: Should I use PAG150? or Ester oil 100? With or without dye? (now would be the time to add it right?)
Could I charge it with Interdynamics Arctic Freeze Ultra Synthetic R-134a Refrigerant. (it does mention leak seal on the can (but its a new clean system also). And if so would you advise use all the same or 2 cans arctic and 1 can plain, be ok?
I also seen this "ICE 32", in the oil and in the refrigerant. Is that any good to use?
Also if all I have is the air operated vac pump, can this be ok? I have an air compressor that will put out the steady requirement for the pump of 90 PSI minimum. So I would just have to run it longer or what would make it the best it can be?

Thanks
Scott

iceman2555 on Tue July 27, 2010 6:36 PM User is offlineView users profile

1.) Prefer PAG 150, double end capped. Use dye if desired. No more than 1/4 oz. Excessive may result in loss of lubrication quality. Some like POE/ester 100...but this is actually a bit on the light side for a GM compressor. However, it will work also.
2.) Plain jane....good ole....vanilla type 134a...no additives....no stop leak....nada...nothing....just gas the darn thing.
3.) ICE 32.....is you wish to spend some extra cash...go for it. Have used it....never saw a large change in performance. Some swear by the stuff......once more...your choice....there is nothing in the product that will harm your system.....just some more cash out the window.
4.) Why not save some of that cash for the ICE32.....add some more bucks and purchase a good vacuum pump. The air venturi type is as worthless as.....well...suffice to say..they simple do not work to adequately remove moisture from the system. Money better spend that the ICE 32. But then...if the wallet is thick...do them BOTH !!! Just get...buy...borrow....steal...opps forget that one.....rent a good vacuum pump.
The key to system longevity and great cooling performance is the correct amount of refrigerant and lubrication in the system....and then cooling the system properly (engine cooling).
Assisted a friend with a retro on a similar vehicle a couple of weeks ago....worked great.....just make sure the fan clutch/radiator/shroud are all correct and working as they were designed.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

TRB on Tue July 27, 2010 6:42 PM User is offlineView users profile

Quote
Originally posted by: iceman2555
Assisted a friend with a retro on a similar vehicle a couple of weeks ago....worked great.....just make sure the fan clutch/radiator/shroud are all correct and working as they were designed.

Meaning you watched and drank up all the ice tea!



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iceman2555 on Tue July 27, 2010 9:00 PM User is offlineView users profile

I sat in my chair...fan blowing the warm humid FL air....feet up on the cooler (for the tea and sodas).....pointed my finger at the things I wanted changed.....and yes...did consume copious amounts of 'tea'.
But what the heck...it worked....despite my best intentions!!!!!!!!!!!

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

sdwaite on Wed July 28, 2010 11:30 AM User is offline

well too bad you are so far away or I would invite you over for your pointing finger and as much ice tea you could handle, I would be very happy to have a working ac system that is going to last me awhile. I would gladly appreciate any wisdom you might could share with me. I just want to do it right the first time.

Thanks again

NickD on Wed July 28, 2010 11:43 AM User is offline

96 had a very good R-134a system, something to look at and copy, no sense in reinventing the wheel, parallel flow condenser is one of the big changes.
Can guarantee you will not find cures in a can.

iceman2555 on Wed July 28, 2010 5:56 PM User is offlineView users profile

If this were my vehicle...I would change the condenser to a more efficient unit. It is possible to locate a OE GM or aftermarket replacement that would 'bolt' right in. This extra heat transfer ability would be of great benefit......read as more efficient cooling......
This would allow for a completely recharged system ....with little guess work for a charge rate....insure good cooling.....adequate lubrication migration.....and first and foremost....probably only have to do it once...
However, considering the size of the condenser on this vehicle....and if the engine cooling system is working properly....this is one of the easier retro's to do. Key is getting the system fully charged.....and pressures aren't gonna do that for ya.....gotta go with temps.....
The job we just finished...yep...the 'tea' job...we used the OE condenser....flushed the heck of the system.....and actually recharged to about 95% of 134 to 12 spec's.
As the other 'ice' says...would like to have 'goose bumps'.....but this is not gonna happen with this system....but....it is working to his satisfaction....and his wife's also.
She made the 'tea'.....and allowed the potty breaks (numerous) in the house .....the neighbors stated complaining about us using the bushes.....and everyone knows how much 'tea' flows thru the pipes when artificial sweeteners are used......

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

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