134 FREON

[Howard K.]

Can someone tell me the first year 134 was used in the corvette---THANKS

[Lyndon S.]

Re: 134 FREON

I would think 94, came with 134

[Joe L.]

Re: 134 FREON

glen and Kelly-----

Yes, 1994 was the first year for the PRODUCTION use of R-134a in Corvettes. However, earlier models back to, at least, 1991 can be rather easily converted to R-134a if one so desires.

[David B.]

Re: 134 FREON

Joe,

Is there a special reason that you only go back to at least 1991 in your recommendation?

I am still running R-12 in my C-3 but thinking of eventually converting it. I converted a number of other family cars (85 and 87 El Caminos, 88 and 91 Jeeps, etc.). I haven't switched seals, hoses, compressor oil, etc. Just done a thorough evacuation and recharge and they have run fine for 5+ years - quiet and cool.

Is the pre- '91 Corvette a different animal to the extent that there are special measures that must truly be taken for conversion? I don't really want to rebuild my untouched working compressor for a conversion if not truly necessary.

If so, I may just keep going on the R-12 I have squirreled away.

As always, thanks for any advice.

Dave

[Dick W.]

Re: 134 FREON

Industry recommendations are to change over when you have a catastrophic failure, ie compressor, evap core, etc. You do not have to change any o rings that you do not disturbe unless they were leaking prior to the changeover. You do have to change drier and compressor oil. My recommendation is to also change the condenser as it is the lowest part of the system and collects all the trash. Also is exposed to the weather the most and usually has external corrison which impedes the cooling. I have done several C-3 changeovers with good results.

[Joe L.]

Re: 134 FREON

Dave-----

The only reason I say 1991 is that I believe that from 1991 onward, the systems require minimal, if any, components changeover to be retrofitted to R-134a. I'm quite sure that earlier systems can be retrofitted, too, but it might require more parts changes.

[David B.]

Thanks guys! NM *NM*