1988.5 TR- air stopped working but compressor switches any one know where sight glass is and how many pounds of R134 it holds Thank you
My 87 sight glass is under carpet flap on passenger side under the front hood. If you could keep it still R-12 you will be better off.
Why? My compressor started seeping oil so I decided to swap over to R134 this past spring and see no reason yet to regret doing so. No more having to hawk Craigslist ads or fleabay for anyone selling R12 illegally for stupid money.
Your system was designed for R-12. R-134 is more overcharge or under charge sensitive. The R-134 usually requires a larger condenser to be as efficient. But if you had a component failure then R-134 is probably the best. If your original system wasn't compromised, then recovering and reusing the R-12 would still work.
Interesting. So far I've only noticed it blows as cool as on the R-12. Besides the compressor the biggest reason I converted was I was really sick of trying to locate overpriced R-12 which I had done year before last when my system was low and needed a recharge. That and ease of service in the future. A new Sanden comp, a receiver/drier and a pressure switch was all that was needed.
How often have you needed a recharge? I had mine charged in the Spring of 2013 and it is not blowing very cold any more(compressor clicks on so I think just needs charge) 3 years later.
You may have a leak. For me, 2 years ago was the only time I needed a recharge in 11 years of ownership at that time.
It believe you made the correct choice considering you problems. My 87 Tr still has the R-12 and no problems other than a minor charge. As long as an A/C system stays sealed and moisture doesn't get in, they work well.
I had mine recharged and it works great again. It was charged 3 years ago. Have no leaks either. It is stored for at least 4 months of the year not sure if that makes a difference.
After a summer of use rolling up over 1.4k miles with R134a in my '85 I can say that I have no regrets at all switching from R-12 and see no reason why anyone should hesitate if they're contemplating the switch.
