What is the total cost to upgrade the airconditioner in a 1991 Toyota Corolla Dx Base wagon??
4 Answers
You can put R134A into your system, The problem is when you do the seals will swell and you will get a leak. You can replace the O- Rings in the system and then fill the system up with R134A and you will be good to go. Don't want to do that then try this stuff, some times it will seals the leaks and lube the O-Rings..
COMETGUY61 - I spoke of an UPGRADE, top notch and durable, and not a quick fix that will degrade the system. Yes I have read about 1000 net pages about the pros and cons plus the EPA documents. Now I ask about the cost of a total upgrade including the R12 recovery, proper flushing, several parts, switches, maybe a new compressor and the labor. Thanks Rowefast.
Since your R12 has “leaked down” there’s no recovery to speak of, but I was facing the same question with my 1991 Corolla and it was cheaper to just replace all the seals and dryer assembly and buy two 12oz cans of R12 from the local a/c garage ($60 for two 12 oz cans) than try to convert it. My compressor and evaporator coil checked ok so I didn’t need to buy a new compressor. You’ll need a vacuum pump, an R12 gauge set, several ounces of R12 oil, a new dryer assembly and a new o-ring set. I drove my car to the Arizona desert after my repair in the middle of the summer and my vent temps were 38° - 41° With the outside air temp at about 100° - you won’t get that type of cooling with a converted R134 system! Total repair time was less than 4 hours. I used acetone to clean all the a/c tubing inside and outside while replacing the o-rings. If you have cruise control on your Corolla, you’ll have to remove the actuator to get at the upper a/c lines. Make sure to replace the Schrader valves on the hi and low ports and don’t over tighten. They come with the o-ring kit.
