134a conversion update

[tberk@mindspring.com (T Berk)]

Michael Abatzis wrote:
> 
> so a couple of months since the conversion, in the middle of brutal atlanta
> summer. impressions of the conversion:
> 
> fan speed on 3 (only works on 2 and 3, any ideas?), max cool/recirc.  vent
> temp is anywhere between 45-52' with ambient temp at 96'. tons of humidity
> also, if that makes a diff for a/c purposes.  this is putting a huge burden
> on the cooling system though- even with an oil cooler, oil temp runs
> 110-120, water hotter than usual also.  if i leave it to idle for too long,
> it will overheat. 
<snip>



Wonder if you have those press board panels on each side of the Rad to
front valence area. They can be recreated from masonite (hardboard)
plastic sheeting like from TAP plastics, or most anything. Oh, and there
is one across the top too.

The idea is to flow more air Through the Rad vs Around it. This also
helps the A/C dump heat out too.

Your car, w/ A/C and all has a two speed Rad fan, does the second speed
ever kick in? It should when the A/C selector is slid over to ON.

Other idea is a coolant system flush, I have done two cars this past
weekend, one Mk1 and one 90 something Firebird. Used Purple Power
degreaser because the 'bird had that coagulated coolant mix of two
types. Point was it helped remove a lot of gunk and return a greater
capacity to soak up a thermal load.

In order to do it you should plan on dumping the existing coolant (in my
area down the sewage system is requested vs storm drains or on the
ground). Flushing w/ regular tap water is OK, but filling with 30/70 to
50/50 water to coolant should include distilled water vs the stuff out
of the hose. (Why? because tap water can reduce the effectiveness of the
coolants additives.)

While you're thinking about things you might investigate a new
thermostat for the coolant, the existing one may not be OEM quality, not
opening up enough, and when redoing the coolant it's a good time to
replace it. Then again I don't promise it'll slice your bread for ya.

OK, How's that for some discussion points?

TBerk