Author Topic: A/C retrofit. Are you cool? (Read 7820 times)

Wizard · « **Reply #15 on:** May 04, 2006, 02:29:48 PM »

According to the Advance Auto Parts website the same Accumulator/Filter Drier fits all these models:
Part Number: 33444

   1985 318I
   1987 - 1991 325I
   1991 318I
   1987 - 1993 325IC
   1991 318IC
   1987 - 1991 325IS
   1991 318IS
   1988 - 1991 325IX
   1987 - 1988 325
   1988 - 1991 M3
   1986 - 1987 325E

M42boy · « **Reply #16 on:** May 04, 2006, 03:37:03 PM »

Quote from: dbgrubbs

Why not go with Freeze 12? It's compatible with the stock system and is available on ebay. My local AC guy put it in my Alfa and I've been running it for 2 years now with no problems. Just as cold as R-12.

Hey Don... what exactly is Freeze 12?

I know "freon" as we know it (R-12) is very expensive now, but I actually prefer it to R134A as it's a better and more efficiant refrigerant. Of course, you can buy R234A anywhere and it's cheap! But, if our cars aren't R134A, it's a PITA to convert. I guess if my compressor dies, I'd try to upgrade to a complete R134A system, but otherwise, I'd rather just find a cheap refrigerant that will work with my current R12 system since I think it still works fine.

sheepdog · « **Reply #17 on:** May 04, 2006, 05:02:23 PM »

Quote from: M42boy

Hey Don... what exactly is Freeze 12?

I know "freon" as we know it (R-12) is very expensive now, but I actually prefer it to R134A as it's a better and more efficiant refrigerant. Of course, you can buy R234A anywhere and it's cheap! But, if our cars aren't R134A, it's a PITA to convert. I guess if my compressor dies, I'd try to upgrade to a complete R134A system, but otherwise, I'd rather just find a cheap refrigerant that will work with my current R12 system since I think it still works fine.

From what I have read, basically it is 134 blend with a universal lubricant. It also has something that makes the r134 work at lower pressures. Freeze12 actually operates at lower pressures than r12 even.

bmwsmurf · « **Reply #18 on:** May 07, 2006, 01:23:03 AM »

Don't you have to vacuum out all the air out of the system first if your AC hasn't worked in a while?

sheepdog · « **Reply #19 on:** May 07, 2006, 02:56:42 PM »

Quote from: bmwsmurf

Don't you have to vacuum out all the air out of the system first if your AC hasn't worked in a while?

Vacuuming is primarily to make sure there is no r12 or water in the system.

Air will have moisture in it, but again, for the money, if it fails later, oh well, I will just convert to full r134.