The only real issue with my Eldo when I bought it was that it had no A/C. Heck, the belt was even removed and I found the clutch was seized. Regardless, it wasn't my main concern upon it's purchase.

I also own an 84 Cutlass Supreme with a 305 in it and while it was mounted on the opposite side compared to the 350 on my Eldo, it still fits perfectly. The freon long pissed out on my Cutlass but since the clutch was still good and I only use the car for parts, I re and re'd the compressor quite easily.

Now, the only difference between the two compressor was an extra plug or socket that the Eldo version has that's not present on the Cutlass one. The only thing I can think of is that it's for the climate control, unless anyone else knows for sure what it is.

Once I install new gaskets on the compressor and leak test it, I'd like to put R12a in it instead of converting it to R134a

I was wondering if I should put new oil in the piping or do the R12a canisters already have oil?

Or should I just convert the system to R134a?

Thanks in advance!

Just convert it to 134A. It's apiece of cake.

Just convert it to 134A. It's apiece of cake.

How is it so simple? Just change the oil?

I don't know how exactly to convert to R134a, but R12 cans are all hella expensive and rare since it's not legal to make anymore. Screws up the ozone so we all get skin cancer and stuff. I've heard it's usually just as expensive to refill R12 as compared with converting to R134a, and plus if the R12 leaks again you're out a couple hundred bucks again instead of like $20 for R134a.

You'll need a new drier, orifice tube and if equipped, a new pressure switch, the last two are to make your system function at peak with r134, the drier is to get rid of the moister and junk in your system. Take it to a pro before turning it on at all, have it evacuated and charged with r134. All that will cost you less than 1 refill with r12!

To do a proper conversion, you need to drain and flush the compressor oil, flush the system, change all the "O" rings, replace the accumulator, refill each component (compressor, accumulator and condensor) with the proper amount of PAG oil. Then vacuum down and recharge. R134a is almost as expensive as R12 due to a temporary Dupont plant shut down, but at least it is available.

Well, the parts aren't a problem since I'm a reefer mechanic and have all that on hand at the shop I work at: R134a, oil, o-rings and gaskets. I have my own guages so I just fill it from the freon tanks instead of cans. Since no one at my shop had done a conversion before (we mainly work with R22 and R404a. R134a is used on small truck units) I figured to find out here.

The only part that surprises me is the accumulator tank since I'm not sure why I should replace that. The drier I'll have to buy elsewhere and I have nitrogen on hand for leak testing and evacuation machines to pump down the system to under 1000 microns.

I don't know where the oil fill or drain is on the compressor, though. Does it fill and drain from the suction and discharge ports?

I beleive you have to replace the accumulator because it traps oil. I would suggest you go over to http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?showforum=3 and either do a search or post a question. KHE (Kevin) is pretty sharp on A/C and can answer all your questions. Sounds like you already know more than I about A/C.

I beleive you have to replace the accumulator because it traps oil. I would suggest you go over to http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?showforum=3 and either do a search or post a question. KHE (Kevin) is pretty sharp on A/C and can answer all your questions. Sounds like you already know more than I about A/C.

thanks for the assist. I do know my way around refrigeration units in general, commercial or industrial but a conversion I never did nor had I worked much on cars before. I repaired my brother's A/C on his Explorer last night but he already had R134a so it was only a matter of repairing the leak, leak testing it, adding the new oil, evacuating and charging freon (I did't change the drier since he still had pressure I left it :shhh: )

I have no idea how long my Eldo has been without freon so for all I know it could be the condenser and then I'm screwed.

Again, thanks for your help.