Some of the recent A/C messages convinced me to ask about this. I just bought my 1990 Wagon, and am engaged in fixing up the loose ends. Pretty sure there has been no conversion work to the A/C unit. The A/C compressor works, but rumbles pretty loud when engaged. The A/C is not really as cold as it should be in my opinion, but have no temp. data to prove that (have owned 240's prior to this.) There is an oil film on the outside surface of the compressor, gritty so its not new, but the compressor is not dripping or leaking oily fluid that I can see. Finally, when I check the sight glass on the air dryer, the fluid is a consistent milky brown, just like coffee with cream or muddy water - no discernable "oily streaks" (that the manual said to watch for). The fluid flows when the A/C is on, and stops when shut off, with no perceptible "bubbles" (that the manual said to watch for). So, do I have a problem? Shouldn't the refrigerant be clear - suppose I need a recharge? Thanks!

The coolant in my sight glass was greenish/greyish. I would notice it get foamy when in needed a recharge. If you still have r12 that could be pricey. Autozone sells conversion kits for about 35 bucks. You need to have the r12 vacuumed out of your system then just fill it with the R134 and oil charge. The kit is made by Interdynamics. http://www.id-usa.com/default2.htm

I just converted my system to R134a last weekend and am sold on the new stuff. So far I put in 32oz of r134 and the system works about as well as in past years after I'd had it charged at a shop. It should take 38-40oz of 134 so another half a can should make it really cold.

I'll post after I add another half a can.

mormit
85 245DL, 02 S40

Hey, Mormit: how did the conversion go?

I am seriously considering that Interdynamics kit. No muss, no fuss. How long did it take you to put in the new valve? How cold is the charge?