Filter dryer replacement for the "T"

Check out the parts interchange on the 348 section , there is a dryer replacement from Rock Auto (Was around $9) might even be available on amazon

 

Hi Randy,

There was an Fchatter with a 328, took his dryer down to Napa, they found a compatible dryer for $20. NAPA Part #208625. http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/A-C-Filter-Dryer/_/R-TEM208625_0475165299

Also, from what I have read about R12 to R134a conversion, try to keep it R12.

You will have to change the hose fittings and all the seals in the system before putting in the R134. R134 will leak out of an R12 system without these changes.
The oils are not compatible between the two.

It is SOP to remove and drain the compressor of old oil, add new R134 compatible oil, change the drier and change the fittings so no one who might service it later makes a mistake and contaminates the system.

You cannot simply vacuum it out and put in 134 along with a new dryer. It is a bigger molecule and an old R12 system's condenser is really not big enough to get enough of it in. If you do convert - ALL the old oil needs to be removed which means pulling and draining the compressor, etc.

It will never cool as well as it did with R12. I have been told by many mechanics that the system runs at different temps with 134 and the condensor and other components were not designed for this. Stay with R12.

If you are DIY, find a shop that can get R12 cans or get a letter from a certified AC technician so you can buy R12 online/eBay.
p.s. Craigslist has a bunch for sale: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=freon&sort=rel

Best,
Mike

 

If you have the old one out match it up at a shop that specializes in auto AC. You know it is not a Ferrari only part.

I just talked to my mechanic about this, he is telling that R12 is still available, very limited amounts and very expensive, the equivalent of over $100 per can!!!! If you plan on keeping the car (don't we all?), bite the bullet and do the rest of the switch while you have it apart.

Regards,
Jerry

 

When I had my engine-out belt service earlier this year, I had Ferrari convert the a/c system to their current standard. I believe it was only a matter of changing a valve and the coolant, and the cost was very reasonable. The air blows ice cold, much colder than R12.

Eventually R12 will be impossible to find, so IMO you should do the conversion now.

 

Randy, conversion to R-134a is easy. It is an old myth that everything needs to be changed. Replace your dryer, put some PAG oïl and proper adapter fitting and fill with R-134 at 80% capacity. Yes the R-134 molécules are smaller and leak more easily but the old R-12 oïl in the system should seal properly to avoid leaks.
Both my 308 and TR are on R-134 and cold.

Don't use hydrocarbons. Most that are sold on shelf have leak sealant in them and that is NO good if you ever need to work on it again. You will then pay the bill. You can use leak dye detector but NO leak sealant.

The next A/C gas to be introduced may possibly be CO2. Yes carbon monoxyde!

 

Sorry, the bill did not detail what a/c parts were installed.

 

With my 308 I used a replacement dryer from a recent model Hyundai which was built for R-134. But as far as I know there is no need for a specific dryer. All they do is accumulating the liquids to avoid them to go to the compressor.

 

Yes Randy I'm doing well! Weather is not bad at all for now. We've seen snowflakes but nothing on the ground yet. Cars are stored for winter.

Good luck with your A/C. If you suffer too much from the heat just move up north! ;-)

 

Fixed for you!!!

Regards,
Jerry

 

I don't have the PN. But in further discussions with my mech, he suggested once we have everything apart, we might want to try to match the expansion valve with one that has a little bigger opening to adjust for the higher high side pressures of R134. That will be a little guesswork, but when it gets pulled, we will have the part in hand to try to match up with a bigger orifice.

We also talked about a bigger condenser to help siphon off the extra heat generated by the higher high side pressure/temps. Ideally, either a newer design of the same size or a thicker one using the standard location to utilize the fan for city driving, assuming there is room for a thicker unit.

Regards,
Jerry