Reply to "Running hot and A/C not a good combo"

Hi guys, I'll add my 2 cents to this topic.

R134a is not compatible with the mineral oil or the viton / buna-N elastomers that were used in your R12 a/c system. And the heat absorbtion properties of R134a are different from those of R12. So a properly done conversion will flush all the mineral oil from the entire system, replace the receiver-dryer, expansion valve, compressor, any rubber hoses and all the o-rings and refill with the correct poly alkaline glycol lubricant. Replacement R134a specific service fittings are screwed on at the service ports & a big R134a decal is attached near the service ports as well.

The reality is, if you flush the system, replace the compressor & expansion valve you've done more than the majority of conversions on the road. I would also highly recommend replacing the receiver-dryer.

By the way, R12 is a federally controlled substance, just like narcotics. Possession of R12 without a license to do so is a criminal offense subject to the same type of penalties. Or so I've been told.

Before you spend money on a water pump, at least take a look at the Edelbrock pump, it has a cast curved blade impeller that is far more efficient at pumping than the stamped metal paddle wheels installed in most water pumps. The Pantera can use all the extra coolant flow you can give it.

Blocking off the recirc passage with a freeze plug is normally a trick done when eliminating the t-stat all together. If you install the Windsor t-stat, there shall be no way for coolant to recirc at all when the engine is cold, except through the heater core. If the heater is off, the water pump will be pumping against a dead head until the thermostat opens.

your friend on the PIBB, George