Hi All. The clutch on my AC is blown out (I got it that way). It was converted to 134 (previous owner). I took off the nut off the front of the unit to try and just replace the clutch. However, the clutch doesn't just slide off when the nut was removed. So, now I'm wondering if I should just spend the extra $100 for a whole new compressor with clutch. I'm guessing that when I change the compressor, I'll lose the 134 (no big deal). Any suggestions??? Should I stick with the current compressor (I don't think it's the original but not sure) and just replace the clutch (how does it come off?) to save the 134? Or, should I replace the whole unit? Any advice/suggestions is appreciated! Thanks!

 

Mike, It takes about $50 worth of pullers etc to service the clutch, the clutch will cost you at least $35 and you still don't know about the compressor! My advice would be buy the reman at least you'll have a warranty. There isn't that much in R134 in there.
Ron

 

Thanks! That's what I was leaning toward and just waiting for a little push in that direction. The clutch is $75! I found a compressor for $175 and looking for a good refrigerant to use. There must be 134 in there since there is the conversion fitting on the unit. I think I'm going to look into ES-12a since it's colder and larger that r12 and 134. Thanks again for the advice!

 

Here's some food for thought: http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...&threadid=7196

http://www.aircondition.com/tech/questions/82/

There are lots more if you Google es-12a refrigerant.

What I gathered is since it's propane based, it's probably not something you want in your system if it leaks. Just a thought.

 

es-12a refrigerant is compatible with r12 and 134 if you are looking for that, It is more effective as well as it is fully guaranteed and will work perfectly with a/c system and won't harm it at all.

 

While it may work and not harm the system, it still is combustible. Think I'll pass on introducing a invisible, odorless, combustible gas under the hood.

 

I think it comes with a pine scent. So, you can picture one of those little cardboard trees hanging from the rear view mirror. If you don't have one, you have a leak!

 

Regardless of the smell, it still burns or worse, explodes.

 

at least you'll smell nice as your ride burns...

i think the propellant is what is flammable, not the product itself. that's true for almost all propellants. and, when doing research, i read something about 134 causing testicular cancer. yipes! i don't like either option so i'm just going to drive with the windows open!

 

The refrigerant is the propellant. R12 and R134a don't support combustion to my knowledge. Exposure to most hydrocarbons will cause cancer.