VPC York compressor Dealer AC, R134A Fill Options

[jdamiano]

My car has the dealership installed VPC AC. I purchased the car 5 months ago and the AC doesn’t blow cold. I have no history on it. Still had a little pressure in the system. I’m thinking of charging it with R134. Has anyone done this and know how if it will work and how much I should try to put in the system?

[Amphicar770]

I redid my AC system back in 2013. Still blowing ice cold.

As others have noted, simply pumping in refrigerant will likely be a fail. Even if it works briefly, the old hoses, seals, connectors, etc. will likely leak. Additionally, You can not put R134 into and R12 system without flushing out all the old oil from every part of the system (which you should probably do anyway). You will definitely need a new receiver-drier at the VERY minimum.

The first step in testing for leaks should not be to put freon in but rather to take air out. Vacuum down the system via manifold gauges. Let it sit overnight. If you lose vacuum then the system has a leak.


I went with a Sanden style compressor but kept everything R12 (I stocked up years ago and yes, I am licenced). Original condensor, evaporator, fan and it blows ice cold. The Sanden style compressors rob a LOT fewer horsepower that the heavy York boat anchors (approx 2HP vs approx 12HP)


1. The Seltec compressor is model 103-55021. It fits but snugly. Might have been easier with next size down.

2. For me, the proper belt turned out to be a Dayco 15460 from Advance Auto Parts. As noted, you do not get a lot of room to adjust belt tension. Make sure you have the pulley behind the fan lined up right or you will need to do it over again (as I learned).

3. This job would be a pain without a lift. If the engine were out it should also be easier. Would not want to tackle this job on my back.

4. I replaced hose and fittings with Aeroquip EZ-Clip components. The hose is more flexible than barrier hose and the clip system is easier than crimping. Size 8 hose on the high pressure side, size 10 for low side, a small piece of #6 from condensor to receiver drier. Finding R12 Aeroquip fittings was a challenge.

5. I stuck with R12. You need to drain approx 4 oz of oil from compressor and replace with mineral oil (available at Napa). If you flush out the evaporator and condenser, add an ounce per component. (You need to remove them to properly flush). I flushed everything vacuumed to remove moisture, purged with nitrogen to remove moisture, vacuumed again. Moisture is the enemy of AC systems.

Finally, autoacforum.com is where all the AC junkies hang out. Tons of good info there.