AC Question

[donaldii]

Hey guys,
Checked other threads but couldn't find my answer. 93 Metro Convertible 5 speed. I recently moved to Florida and I now need to use my air. The air works great in the morning and at night but during the day when I need it the most it doesn't due very well. Is this just how Metro's are? Do I need to have it serviced? If so, can it be converted to r134. Any recommendations on where to have it serviced?
Thanks for any responses

[geozukigti]

Sounds like it's low on R12. As R12 is extremely expensive, just have it converted to R134a

[idmetro]

While I haven't yet converted my Metro my past experience with converting other vehicles from R12 to 134a has been that they never seem to cool as well with the 134a (I'd estimate maybe 75% of original cooling power, this can be a HUGE difference in a hot climate). Even with the high price of R12 I'd seriously consider getting the system recharged with R12; assuming the rest of the system is in good health. If however you want to be able to work on the system yourself then I'd go with the 134a as it is readily available and very cheap by comparison.

[bambambam]

Same here, 134a just doesn't get as cold as the good stuff. If you can afford it, get R12. If not, convert...although you might consider letting an auto shop pull a vacuum on your system to remove all the old lubricants, moisture and garbage.....probably need to change out O-rings too....

bam

[idmetro]

You might also check the condensor ( the little a/c radiator that sits in front of the engine radiator) possibly it's airflow is restricted by dead bugs or debris and a cleaning is in order.

[stanno]

I'd echo the condensor check. The majority of AC things I see for friends on all different kinds of cars are dirty condensors. As long as you use your AC system once a week (yes even in my cold climate I run it putting hot air in the car) then you should have no problems.

If you do find that it is not the problem, then I would recommend bringing it to someone to evacuate the system and recharge the AC with 134A. Not only do they have the proper gear (vacuum pumps, proper disposal procedures and permits, etc), you will be saving the environment and the ozone layer... something which is a BIG thing here in Canada... you don't want to see the paperwork for a ODS release greater than .1 of a gram.

Stan