lexdud

The air in my '93 SC400 is starting to blow warm. I was at the local Autozone and they sell a R-12 to R-134a retrofit kit for $36. A link to the product is provided here:


http://efproducts.com/proddetail.php?prod=321


I was told by the sales guy that all you have to do is hook the kit up and charge with the R-134 AND that it was OK to mix R-12 and 134 together (don't agree). I was wondering if anyone reading had done this with a pre-R134 system ('92 and '93 SCs) and what your experience (positive or negative) was.

5sp_jzz30

iTrader: (2)

done it on other cars. not on an sc. should be too bad to do. it worked well on another car i did. good luck with it. post reviews when done.

neurocity

iTrader: (17)

Im sure it can be done...I think I read somewhere on here, someone who has done it already.

lexdud

The A/C system on the pre-R143 SCs are really no different than other systems used on other makes of cars. They work on the same principles and use R-12 just like Fords, Chevys, Toyotas ... you get the idea.

I asked here (instead of in the Performance section) because I searched and searched and found little to nothing on the subject.

I am skeptical when I am told that for $36 (plus tax) and 10 minutes of my time I can convert my auto A/C system from one refrigerant to another ... that simply.

I hope that someone who has had the experience will chime in. If I decide to do this ... I will post about it.

rawdil49

i've heard that mixing r12 and r134a can destroy some parts of the a/c, all the r12 should be removed before adding r134a.

UTSC300

iTrader: (4)

well i just had mine done not more than 2 weeks ago, 170.00 from my mechanic though . But its nice and frigid for the summer ahead.

Dohno

iTrader: (2)

I have converted many systems to R134, a bunch of company's make a kit that comes with everything you should need. Just do the world a favor and DONT go popping lines. have your old r12 removed properly. R12 is SO bad for the Ozone. Thats one reason we swished to R134.
All you will have to do is replace a hand full of o rings, and the schrader valves so you can hook up a set of 134 gauges to the system. Some fancy kits come with a emergency high pressure shut off switch but honestly its optional.
And for the record R134 will get just as cold as the r12. There shouldn't be any more than a 2 degree difference in temp coming out the vents.

breakb

iTrader: (2)

i had mine retrofitted. emptied the old r-12 out, put those two things on, and then put in the r-134. and it works just fine. i even have a small leak by a gasket. my mechanic told me it might hold out for a month...it's been...3months...

Peace out

Steelwheel

For anyone that wants to know more about AC and how do it right, there are some good forums like autoacforum.com and others like it with a wealth of knowledge. If you are not willing to study and do it properly, it may be best to have a professional do it.

Things like using the proper dessicant, oil, O-rings (and barrier hoses which the SC already has), charging the proper amount of refrigerant under vacuum and proper recovery and a host of other things need to be considered. I'm not saying that you can't wing it and get away with a good running AC. Just saying that it may not hurt to have it done properly to prevent having a real expensive overhaul in the future.

2jzlex

iTrader: (3)

You cannot mix R12 and R134, that guy is an idiot. You have to switch the fittings for both pressure sides, drain the old system, possibly switch your condensor, new orifice tube, and then refill with R134.

kyoso23

I've done it on 3 different cars without any issues.

twizted

iTrader: (2)

I'm ase certified in this, the proper way would be to vacuum down the system. You do want to replace the receiver/drier, it will still be holding the chlorofluorocarbons. r12 and r134a systems use different oil for the compressor as well which can only properly be measure by a evac recycling machine like a robinair. r12 and r134a are not compatible, all the kit includes is shrader to r134a fittings. Thats not all you need, you can however get a product called freeze 12 which is a direct r12 replacement and has no harmful chlorofluorocarbons... You really need to have it done by a recycle machine either way, you need to pull a vacuum to pull the new refrigerant in and it has a measuring device to put the pag oil in line. If the proper amount isn't put in or to much as well can have black death to the system as they cal it in the industry. You'll know when you smell it

2jzlex

iTrader: (3)

Converting it, or mixing it?

Jon

kyoso23

Ghetto style. Cracked open the system, installed new dryer, new oRings, retrofit nozzles, fill. The cans usually have a gauge on them to read the pressure. Definitely not the right way, but I did everything for ~$45. Worked great each time (except for the global warming)

twizted

iTrader: (2)

Check out the site glass and you'll see theres bubbles. No good