The yearly A/C question

["Ryan McCaffrey" <ryanjm@xxxx>]

Dear list,

I had my suspicions confirmed yesterday when I found that I was completely
out of R-12 due to an A/C compressor that?s shot. I?ve been expecting this
since I got the car, as it?s another one of those ?19-year-old things.?

The question seems to come up yearly, so I?ll be the one to ask it this year
with the idea that your opinions this year are better than last year?s.

Should I convert to R-134a? The AZ-D club mechanic, Stan Davis, who is the
owner of Mesa Auto Works, said that I won?t be able to get R-12 in a year.
He also said that 134a is made colder by a new adjustable orifice tube (my
paraphrase may not be exactly correct there) that adjusts to make it a bit
colder. Should I hunt down and pay more for the colder, stock R-12 or
convert to the 134a?

Also, he recommended that I look into having the compressor rebuilt rather
than replaced. Has anyone done this, and if so was it worthwhile or would
it be easier (in the long run) to just get a new one?

I don?t have much time before it starts to get hot here, so I have to get
something done. Any and all opinions are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,

Ryan McCaffrey
#10014
Arizona DeLorean Club


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