93 A/C into a 91 245

[VB242]

Can I just grab the stuff under the hood or do I need to change the evaporator etc in the cabin too?

[Harlard]

no but you need to flush it

[Duder]

The compressor, condenser, and most of the hard lines are different on the 93. Definitely flush out the evaporator - it's easy from the engine bay once you have everything else removed. The two 90-degree bent aluminum tubes coming through the firewall are directly attached to the evaporator. You can use an aerosol bottle of flush or get a kit with a bottle that you charge with an air compressor. Either way, blow through the outlet (bigger port) and catch all the discharge with a jar over the other one. Flush until it runs clear.

I would also flush any used lines that you buy, and flush the condenser, but absolutely don't flush the compressor.

You can re-use the old 91 compressor if it's in good shape - it's a different style than the 93 but either will work with R134a. You can drain the old oil out of the 91 compressor and refill with Ester oil which is compatible with R134a and any remaining mineral oil that might be left.

Here's an R134a conversion I did on a 92 wagon using a 93 style condenser and hard lines, but keeping the earlier compressor:
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpo...38&postcount=5

[2manyturbos]

Originally Posted by VB242

Can I just grab the stuff under the hood or do I need to change the evaporator etc in the cabin too?

Why? Just put Envirosafe ES-12 in the system and it will be ice cold.

[PCH]

The firewall plate may be slightly different on the R134 models which may be an issue if you are converting the evaporator. Not sure what years they did the change though.

[Harlard]

Originally Posted by PCH

The firewall plate may be slightly different on the R134 models which may be an issue if you are converting the evaporator. Not sure what years they did the change though.

91-93 are all the same firewall back.

[VB242]

Originally Posted by 2manyturbos

Why? Just put Envirosafe ES-12 in the system and it will be ice cold.

I'm going to pick n pull today, the lines on my car were finger tight when I bought it so the condition of the system is unknown other than it doesn't work.

[2manyturbos]

91-92 parts are easy to get, both new and used. Parts for the 93 system are almost all NLA. You are better off getting your 91 system up to par and putting ES-12 in it. The only reason to have a 93 system is it will cool enough using R-134.

[Harlard]

Originally Posted by 2manyturbos

91-92 parts are easy to get, both new and used. Parts for the 93 system are almost all NLA. You are better off getting your 91 system up to par and putting ES-12 in it. The only reason to have a 93 system is it will cool enough using R-134.

And by enough that means barely enough. Wish it had a high side port to actually optimize the charge without a machine.

The parallel flow condenser is nice to have at least.

[2manyturbos]

Originally Posted by Harlard

And by enough that means barely enough. Wish it had a high side port to actually optimize the charge without a machine.

The parallel flow condenser is nice to have at least.

That is the only part that really sets the 93 system apart from the 91-92 systems. If the OP can find one that is in good condition, it would be a nice addition. The thread on the fittings even match the earlier system.

[Duder]

One of the ports on the condenser is in a different spot on the parallel flow 93 part, so you'd need the matching hard line as well.

If I'm not mistaken the compressor changed in 1993 too. It was a sliding vane type for 93, then the earlier type was swash plate / rotary piston, and even earlier was reciprocating piston (York).

[2manyturbos]

Yes, the compressor went to the same style used in the 940 with R-134 air-conditioning.

[dalek]

Which of the compressors is more efficient?

Incidentally I have been eyeing the condenser off a late 960/S90 for the same reason (I have a 740)