AC Conversion to 134a
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Allen, Texas
AC Conversion to 134a
Has anyone done the conversion to 134a refrigerant from the old freeze 12? My 93 ES has AC trouble every year and it is too expensive to keep repairing it using the old stuff. Has anyone had any experiance with the conversion? I would like to do it myself if possible. Also, I have heard the new 134a is not as cold as the old stuff, any experiences?
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: California
i've done it on an 87 toyota cressida. i just made sure nothing was left, no more R12 left in the system. then i just loaded it up with 134. using it for 1 year already, no problem.
Last edited by GSquicksilver; Jun 28, 2005 at 05:21 PM. Reason: typo
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Allen, Texas
Yeah R12 cools better but it is just sooo expensive anytime I have a problem. The first time it cost me $1600 because the shop said I had leaks everywhere. They replaced the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and all the lines. They filled it back up and it ran cold for a year. Then the new compressor failed and leaked it all out. They replaced the compressor under warranty but is still cost me around $300 for the labor and the refill of R12. I am just worried that I am going to go through this every year as something is going to fail. On the conversion on the Cressida does it cool as well as before?
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: California
very cool. it's not that noticeably different.
my gs400 runs on the new 134 stuff compared to my 93 LS400 which runs on the R12 stuff, it is much cooler than the R12, and my LS400 has no leaks at all.
my gs400 runs on the new 134 stuff compared to my 93 LS400 which runs on the R12 stuff, it is much cooler than the R12, and my LS400 has no leaks at all.
Trending Topics
Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I know this was posted a few weeks ago but I'll give some info here...
134A systems only hold 80% the capacity of R12 ones when converted due to running higher pressure, that's why they don't cool as well.
Any time you have to go into an AC system, do it once. Replace all o-rings, expansion device, dryer/accumulator, hoses if they leak, etc. Shop around parts aren't nearly that expensive.
If you paid $1600 and the system failed one year later, it wasn't rebuilt properly. It was low on oil, had a leak somewhere, etc. Heck, if it wasn't charged properly it could have killed the compressor. I've totally rebuilt systems for less than $700 like I did in my LS... the compressor seized and I had it back running for about $640.
Reman compressors are crap, get a good used one or a new one.
R12 is about $14-18/lb if you look. If you're paying more than that, you're paying too much.
Condensors are redesigned for systems that come with 134A... they're made to hold additional capacity from the factory. Unless you do this also, it will NEVER cool as well.
Basically, don't be scared of R12... there's not a thing wrong with it aside from it depleting the ozone layer.
134A systems only hold 80% the capacity of R12 ones when converted due to running higher pressure, that's why they don't cool as well.
Any time you have to go into an AC system, do it once. Replace all o-rings, expansion device, dryer/accumulator, hoses if they leak, etc. Shop around parts aren't nearly that expensive.
If you paid $1600 and the system failed one year later, it wasn't rebuilt properly. It was low on oil, had a leak somewhere, etc. Heck, if it wasn't charged properly it could have killed the compressor. I've totally rebuilt systems for less than $700 like I did in my LS... the compressor seized and I had it back running for about $640.
Reman compressors are crap, get a good used one or a new one.
R12 is about $14-18/lb if you look. If you're paying more than that, you're paying too much.
Condensors are redesigned for systems that come with 134A... they're made to hold additional capacity from the factory. Unless you do this also, it will NEVER cool as well.
Basically, don't be scared of R12... there's not a thing wrong with it aside from it depleting the ozone layer.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
From: il
Originally Posted by Brando
Has anyone done the conversion to 134a refrigerant from the old freeze 12? My 93 ES has AC trouble every year and it is too expensive to keep repairing it using the old stuff. Has anyone had any experiance with the conversion? I would like to do it myself if possible. Also, I have heard the new 134a is not as cold as the old stuff, any experiences?
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Here is the TSB for the 92-93 ES for retrofit system and reciever
Part numbers
888840-33020(retrokit)
90099-14044 x2 (orings)
90099-14045(oring)
08885-09107(oil)
88471-16050(reciever/dryer)
Retro kit has everything you need to convert except for the 4 parts seperately stated....
This TSB is also for the 92-93 SC300 and SC400.....same part numbers
if you have a 90-91 LS400 the only number that changes is the receiver to Part number 88471-12040...
Good day
Part numbers
888840-33020(retrokit)
90099-14044 x2 (orings)
90099-14045(oring)
08885-09107(oil)
88471-16050(reciever/dryer)
Retro kit has everything you need to convert except for the 4 parts seperately stated....
This TSB is also for the 92-93 SC300 and SC400.....same part numbers
if you have a 90-91 LS400 the only number that changes is the receiver to Part number 88471-12040...
Good day
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
