R12 -> R134a 1989 Porsche Kit Questions

[Cusser]

A more inclusive list of equipment/materials for a DIY vacuum and charge:
What am I leaving out? What do I not need? Thanks.

- vacuum pump - CAN DO LOANER FROM AUTOZONE
- vacuum pump oil - N/A
- virgin R143a supply tank (R134A) SEE BELOW
- gauge set with hoses (what brand gauges?, I assume some brands are not considered good enough) - CAN DO LOANER FROM AUTOZONE
- micron gauge - SEE JUST ABOVE
- micron gauge adapter - SEE JUST ABOVE
- scale to weigh large canister - YOU COULD USE R134a CANS - TRUE, YOU WON'T GET FULL 12 OZ. OUT, BUT JUST BE SURE TO BLEED AIR OUT OF LINES WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF R134a EACH CAN.
- dye injection system? YOU CAN POUR DYE INTO THE REFRIGERATION OIL OR COMPRESSOR BEFORE YOU BUTTON IT UP
- light to see dye - NOT SURE YOU NEED THIS UNLESS YOU DEVELOP A LEAK
- electronic leak detector - DON'T NEED AT THIS POINT
- recovery tank/system?
- extra O-rings
- Nylog
- extra drier- DON'T NEED AT THIS POINT

see CAPITALS above. You get an indication of the tightness/integrity of the system if it holds vacuum 30 minutes after the evacuation. If it doesn't, then you may have a leak to attend to.

[HC3]

I called ACKits - they no longer sell Nylog. They sell BVA O-ring lube pn MT0941. I went to order on line and the shipping calculator came up with $100 in shipping so I backed out.
I asked if they had BVA Auto 100 - they used to sell that but now don't.
I sent an email to BVA to see where I can buy it in California.
I asked re. buying HNBR O-rings #6, #8 and #10 as listed on the ACKits website - the guy said it is better to buy at Napa if I don't want a large assorted kit.
Now I'm wondering if another ester oil brand might be as good or better than BVA and easier to find in CA.

Thanks for any comments.

[Cusser]

Nylog: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... c&LH_BIN=1

One can also use refrigeration oil on the O-rings.

[HC3]

Nylog: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... c&LH_BIN=1

One can also use refrigeration oil on the O-rings.

Yes, that is probably the most common method mentioned - no additional special goop needs to be obtained.
Of course I need to investigate to find out what is the best method - e.g. Super Lube, Nylog, BVA O-ring lube, etc. etc.

I think the more important part of putting the O-rings fittings together is the skill of the operator. E.g. are the O-rings not being trapped, nicked or squished as they are coaxed into the other fitting. Is there the proper amount of compression when the O-ring is in the final position?

[Tim]

Where you looking at Next Day Air. The item is listed at 1.5 pounds. Anywhere in the USA should be maybe $12.00 to ship.

If you want (1)#6 and (2)#8 o-rings... I will always suggest Napa.

O-Ring Kit.
http://www.ackits.com/master-tech-o-rin ... ings-25881

[HC3]

Went to Napa today.
After reviewing the kits available, finally dug out the envelopes with individual sizes and was able to buy #6, #8 and #10's.
The guy was busy but very nice - they cut the Sunday staff to 1.

The plan is to interview another service shop on Tuesday and see if they know what a micron gauge is.

[HC3]

Regarding Ester Oil.
I have one can of BVA 100 Polyoester but I want another can to do a flush of my new compressor (it came with mineral oil) per the link above (thanks for that) and I'm having trouble finding BVA in CA.
Maybe I should switch to another brand of Ester Oil that is easier to find out here. Any ideas? Thanks.

[atikovi]

I called ACKits - they no longer sell Nylog.

First time I've heard of a dressing for a/c seals, so I had to have it. Check some local HVAC supply places. Found 2 near me, one that wanted $15 and the other for $6. Got the blue version.

[HC3]

Now I've done it.
I got 32OZ of Johnsen's Ester Oil pn 6710-6 and I now realize it is in a plastic bottle with a clear bag around it.
I read that ester oil absorbs water thru a plastic bottle. The date code is 12/29/2014, the stuff is something like 2.5 years old.
I tried to find a number for Johnsen's but of course no way to contact them that I could dig up.
Is this stuff junk?

[HC3]

I got a phone number and called and now going thru a couple levels of people to get to someone technical. We'll see if the guy calls back.