Mark, thanks for your input. I'm thinking of replacing the AC clutch on my 85 van (It's dead). I was talking to my local Auto-Zone manager and he's the one that told me about the R-134a. His price was considerably less for the R-134a then the R-12. I asked if I would have to replace any other parts in the system, he told me I would only have to drain the old system, and refill w/ R-134a. I'm glad that this issue came up here as I'm sure he wouldn't mind me comeing back in a year for another A/C compressor. His ignorance would effect my pocket book greatly. I guess it all comes back to.... Talk to your FRIENDLY DMC mechanic when you want it done right... even if the job is on another vehicle! ;) Again, thanks, you saved me a bunch of money, and possibly some other DMC owners. I'm sorry for sugesting the R-134a -=mike=- restoring VIN #702 *-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-* | http://www.poulincomm.com | | http://www.WWJP.com | *-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-* On Thu, 27 May 1999, Marc A Levy wrote: > Not to get in to a long thread on this, but this is really a matter of > opinion. I think it may be covered well in the back issues. > The most common conversion is to R-134a. > R-134a runs about 70% higher pressure than R-12, so it is required that > all of the O ring seals are replaced. The compressor was not designed > for this higher pressure, so your 17 year old compressor may also not be > too happy with the R134-a. Also know that R-134a does not get as cold > as R-12, and for those of us who have been in the DMC on a hot day know > the cooler the better! > > For a proper conversion, the system must be well flushed. If you simply > remove the R-12, replace the seals, and recharge you will be replacing > the compressor within a year. This is due to the mineral oil that is > used with R-12. When R-134a mixes with the oil, it turns to a sludge > that will clog the orifice and dryer. > > R-134a is great for a car that was designed for it. The DeLorean was > not. Stick with R-12. > .... R-12 works, why change?) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ eGroups.com home: http://www.egroups.com/group/dmcnews http://www.egroups.com - Simplifying group communications