How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
08-16-2006, 07:13 AM
#1
3.0 BAR
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,133
How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
I'm wanting to put AC back into the CRX, but R134 is cheaper than R12, and works better from what I have heard and read. I have read that you have to drain all the oil out of the compressor and put the new r134 compatible oil in it before you start converting fittings and stuff...Anyone know for sure what I'd have to do?
Thanks!
Thanks!
08-16-2006, 07:50 AM
#2
0.0 BAR
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4
08-16-2006, 09:02 AM
#3
1.0 BAR
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 278
Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
i did that to my uncle's 88 camry .. all i did was bought that kit that came with the bottle, adapter, and feed, it was like $30-40 i dont remember, and put the new r134 adapter on and filled it up since it was already empty.. works fine now
08-16-2006, 10:20 AM
#4
1.5 BAR
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,194
Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
you just have to drain the oil and put in polyol ester based oil before putting in R134.
However I typically just use R401A as an R12 replacement for low pressure systems, no need to replace the oil then.
However I typically just use R401A as an R12 replacement for low pressure systems, no need to replace the oil then.
08-16-2006, 01:13 PM
#5
0.0 BAR
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 0
Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
R12 works better than R134a.
Compressor oil is a non-issue; I've been filling R12 systems with R134a for 10 years with impunity. They originally stated a whole $$$ list of parts that needed replacing, claimed R134a would form corrosive acids when mixed with incorrect oil, but no one could ever explain that *cough* bullshit *cough* chemical reaction to me.
I only add oil if the filter-drier or compressor is being replaced. Moisture in the system is your only worry; if the filter-drier has been exposed to atmosphere for any length of time bake it in an oven @ 200 degrees for 15-30 minutes and cap the inlets afterward, until you go to install it. You can get really good results even if you don't draw a vacuum on the system before charging, but drawing a vacuum is recommended.
I have gauges, an adapter that keeps you from having to buy $15-25 R134a adapter kit, and a couple spare cans of R134a if you want to drive up and use my stuff.
Compressor oil is a non-issue; I've been filling R12 systems with R134a for 10 years with impunity. They originally stated a whole $$$ list of parts that needed replacing, claimed R134a would form corrosive acids when mixed with incorrect oil, but no one could ever explain that *cough* bullshit *cough* chemical reaction to me.
I only add oil if the filter-drier or compressor is being replaced. Moisture in the system is your only worry; if the filter-drier has been exposed to atmosphere for any length of time bake it in an oven @ 200 degrees for 15-30 minutes and cap the inlets afterward, until you go to install it. You can get really good results even if you don't draw a vacuum on the system before charging, but drawing a vacuum is recommended.
I have gauges, an adapter that keeps you from having to buy $15-25 R134a adapter kit, and a couple spare cans of R134a if you want to drive up and use my stuff.
08-16-2006, 02:30 PM
#6
1.5 BAR
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,194
Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
Oh I did experiments with R134a on an R12 shipping container, watching the oil on the looking glass on the compressor and it did turn into milk when exposed to R134. Don't ask me why but it did. Changing to ester oil fixed that.
And yes R12 works better than R134a.
And yes R12 works better than R134a.
08-16-2006, 03:54 PM
#8
Guest
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,463
Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
There is an R12 replacement called "Freeze12" that I have been using for a couple of years now. I did an R134 conversion on my CRX and it didn't cool that well. Freeze12 does a better job, and is intended to be a replacement for R12. It's about $7 a can.
Craig
Craig
