A/C Compressors, R-12 - Spare Parts Discontinued
Group 64Heating and
Air Conditioning
Bulletin Number
64 02 94 (4082)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
December 1994
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Availability of R-12 A/C Compressors
MODELS:
E31/E32/E34/E36
Situation:
Starting with the E36, spare-parts availability of A/C compressors with R-12 compatible mineral oil will be discontinued.
Solution:
If a vehicle A/C system charged with R-12 refrigerant should require compressor replacement, and the "R-12" compressor is no longer available according to the parts microfiche, order the appropriate "R-134a" compressor as given in the fiche BUT DO NOT ORDER the "Retrofit Kit."
Procedure:
The R-134a compressor is physically compatible with R-12 systems, but is shipped containing PAG lubricant which is ineffective in R-12. Therefore, the PAG oil must be drained from the R-134a compressor and replaced with the appropriate amount of mineral oil before installation on an R-12 vehicle.
1. Drain all PAG oil from the new R-134a compressor. The PAG oil can be "pumped" out by turning the compressor rotor by hand while holding the compressor inverted over a container.
2. Dispose of the PAG oil properly. This material cannot be reused in any vehicle.
3. Refill the compressor with an appropriate amount of "R-12" mineral oil. The proper amount can be determined by following the procedure given in S.I. 64 11 93 (3929).
4. Install the compressor. Note that the seals and other compressor components are fully compatible with BOTH R-12 and R-134a. Only the lubricant needs to be changed. Additional fittings or pipes are not necessary.
Warranty Status:
The retrofit of an R-12 system to R-134a is not covered under warranty.