A few years back I replaced EVERYTHING in my A/C system except for the evaporator so I could switch to R134a and it's been working pretty well. I bought a kit from Hervey but supplied my own custom parallel flow condenser.
Now, I recently had to open my A/C system in order to do a frame-off. I replaced the accumulator but re-used everything else except for the green o-rings that were exposed to the air when I had various fittings apart. I installed new o-rings and smeared them and the threads with Nylog Blue.
I am waiting on some parts and it looks like I could be 3-4 weeks out of commission before I can bring the car in to get the A/C recharged.
This week I'm going to get one of those compressed-air powered venturi pumps to draw a vacuum down and make sure I'm holding vacuum, plus that will get any moisture out of the system in case I'm stuck for longer than expected.
How much oil and how much R134a should I suggest the tech add when I do bring it in? Should I drain the compressor first or just leave it alone? it's a Sanden SD5 and I have a variable orifice valve .
Also - is the 8 piston Sanden going to have noticeably better performance than the SD5H14? I'm not trying to find stuff to spend money on but if it's a no-brainer to upgrade, now's the time to do it.