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!

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

Try these guys....


http://www.id-usa.com

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

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.

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.

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.

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

You can use R414b which is called Hot shot. Its a drop in replacement. Good for me because I have it in my work van!

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

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

R401A (MP39 if you buy from DuPont) is also a direct replacement for higher temperature systems (AC, fridges).

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

or u can just retro-fit the whole system...evac the r12 system put it in a vac for a couple hrs...then fill with r134a...this way isnt too cheap tho...

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

Is the drier the part under the dash? I didnt think you could buy R12 anymore? Only professionals can get thier hands on it. I dont wanna pay some shmuck to do this for me...Having AC in my Jeep is spoiling me, so I need it in my car that gets good gas mileage. lol. ANyone know wher eI can pick up some of this R12 replacement or any R12 period? I'd love to not have to convert.

BTW: The fittings on teh firewall have dirt in them...How can I get that out before installing new lines? If I clean them out as well as I can and some of the dirt stays in there, will it cause a big problem?

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

Dirt will kill the compressor.

Spray them out with solvent, or water, until clean.

Filter-drier is a catch all term for the filter without regard to it's placement in respect to high side or low side. You'll find yours adjacent to the condensor up front, or in the fenderwell. I must say, I haven't worked on the front end of an ED that still had AC in a while, and I was drunk when I assembled the beater two years ago.

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

You can but a kit at almolst any parts store that will have everything you need to convert/refill your a/c for like $35-$40.

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

Whats teh best way to get to teh other side of those fittings on teh firewall? Take the dash out, I assume... :l

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

Like Craig said, use Freeze12. It's a direct replacement and it's cheap. When I was looking at re-doing my AC in my CRX, that was the best choice for DIY on the cheap. You don't have to change anything. The stuff is lighter than r12 so it requires less and it cools to a lower temp. Plus, the big key, it's not Flamable. That's huge. Almost all of the other r12 replacements are extremely flammable. I'd go with something like this kit. if I were doing it now. Lots of pro's, no con's.

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

good link. I watched it for future reference. I dont havethe money for it right now. :(

Joseph: you wouldnt hsppen to havesome ef a/c stuff laying around would you?

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

Probably. Make a list.

Re: How do I convert my R12 A/C to R134?
 

All lines, compressor. I have the condensor, Can, and stuff under the dash. :-*