need help recharging ac.....

[BYRDPE]

ok...here's the deal:
car is not a dd so ac has not worked for over 6 years.
i have had a 30lb canister of r12 for ~7 years so now i'm looking to try to get the system up to par.
the system is completely empty and some of the oil has leaked from the compressor when I did my h/c/i swap ~a year ago. i jumpered the lp switch and the comp would not kick on. however, i am getting 12 volts from the plug. i'm thinking it won't kick on cause the system is completely empty.
i am going to purchase a new dryer and an orfice tube line. i also want to replace all the orings but i need to know which r12 specfic ones to purchase and where are all the install points. i already have a set of gauges and a vacuum pump that i have never used.
what type of oil do i need and how much (lost some from the compressor plus i'll be replacing a line and the dryer). should i completely drain the comp and start from scratch? where can i get the oil?
i feel i'm very capable of doing this just need a little help on the steps and exactly what i need to r/r.
or if anyone thinks i would be easier going to r134a let me know why.
thanks

 

[89 Saleen#455]

ok...here's the deal:
i jumpered the lp switch and the comp would not kick on. however, i am getting 12 volts from the plug. i'm thinking it won't kick on cause the system is completely empty.

Even if the system is completely empty, jumping the low pressure switch (harness on top of accumulator) WILL start the compressor on a properly functioning system. Sounds like the clutch may be shot.

Here's a great write-up from Putter on A/C recharging. It's geared towards a R134a conversion, but the process also applies to R12 recharges. If you're going through the trouble of tearing down the entire system, I would go ahead and covert to R-134A. It's not that difficult and the 134A gas is readily available.

Either way you go (R12 or R134) use a product called Nylog on your O-rings. It does a great job of preventing the O-Rings from drying out on a car that only sees weekend use.

R12 to R134A Conversion on 1988 Mustang LX 5

 

[BYRDPE]

Even if the system is completely empty, jumping the low pressure switch (harness on top of accumulator) WILL start the compressor on a properly functioning system. Sounds like the clutch may be shot.

Here's a great write-up from Putter on A/C recharging. It's geared towards a R134a conversion, but the process also applies to R12 recharges. If you're going through the trouble of tearing down the entire system, I would go ahead and covert to R-134A. It's not that difficult and the 134A gas is readily available.

Either way you go (R12 or R134) use a product called Nylog on your O-rings. It does a great job of preventing the O-Rings from drying out on a car that only sees weekend use.

R12 to R134A Conversion on 1988 Mustang LX 5

ok...seems as i was doing this incorrectly as the comp did kick on when i jumpered it.
i'll check puter's link.
thanks