I know summer is gone but I want to take care of this now while I have the money. My A/C is pretty weak, and it needs to be completely recharged. Can I use R134 in my Camaro (1985) in place of R12 without modifications? Anyone know how much it takes?
If you are going to swap refrigerant, then there is more you need to do than just pump in new R134. First, you need to take the system completely apart (enough to blow, with an air compressor, through all lines, condenser and evaporator), you must replace the dryer (also known as an accumulator) and it would be a good idea to replace the compressor, but this is not really needed. But, replacing the dryer is a must as well as the orifice tube. Once you have the system clean and blown out, you will need to look on the little sticker on teh front of your car under the hood to find out how much to use. Usually it's going to be about 12oz or so. Some can take up to a pound. You will also need to put in fresh oil since the R12 is not compatible with R134 oil. Once you have all of that, you will either need to pay a shop, or purchase a vacuum pump to draw the system down to 16inHg and make sure it holds the vacuum for a minimum of 10 minutes. If it does that, then pump one can into the car with the car off, then start the car and turn the AC on high and put in the other cans. The amounts above are an estimate and I'm sure I"m wrong. I just can't remember off the top of my head. But, there is some serious work involved in changing the system. Oh, and take it to a shop to have them suck out the R12. That stuff is horrible for the ozone, which is why we have R134 now and R12 is so friggin expensive. I do have a license for R12, but I have only used it once. Hope this helps.
Ugh sounds like a lot more complicated and expensive than I want to get into. Is there anything which is a drop in replacement for R12?
For what this is worth, I had my 86 transmission Am refitted with R134a in about 1993 at a GM dealership. They charged me for nothing but the refrigerant and one hours labor (it took only that long). I am not sure what exactly they did, but I did not notice any new parts and there weren't any parts on the bill. It was still working fine when I sold the car in 98.
Are the fittings on those recharge cans with gauge you see at the auto parts store the same as the R12 or did they change them so you can't put the wrong one in by mistake?
Interesting thread. What about stuff like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081T3PP4/?tag=theturfor-20 They claim it's safe to use in an R12 system, just get an adapter. Are they blowing smoke?
If you are looking for the cheapest method, then this kit is the way to go. You need the oil as well as the 134. I myself would still change the dryer and blow everything out, but you can do it this way. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...34a-recharge-and-retrofit-kit-rkr-8/9220004-P
How much worse is this new stuff compared to the old? I heard its not as cold but is it really that big of a difference?
It's about a 15º difference. 12 gets quite a bit colder than 134. But every new vehicle has 134. Replacing all of the equipment to get the most out of it is why I suggest it. But, even with the 12 system, it will still get down to about 40º or so, or should.
If you are looking for the cheapest method, then this kit is the way to go. You need the oil as well as the 134. I myself would still change the dryer and blow everything out, but you can do it this way. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...34a-recharge-and-retrofit-kit-rkr-8/9220004-P hmm, I might just do this. I don't even know if anything on my system still works. It was swapped out from another car, and I forgot to test it before removing it. For $60 worth it just to see if everything works or not. You said you need to get the oil too, where and what type do I need to get?
oh wait, reading the description of this conversion kit and it says it comes with oil. Do I need something in addition to that?
I've heard of putting propane in the system and its supposed to be as good as R12 but its probably a urban legend.
Just an update, I tried out this conversion kit and everything seems to be working again!! I never knew if the AC worked or not, since it was all from my donor car and forgot to check it before it got removed. So happy to see it all working again.
Glad you posted because I forgot to follow up. I bought the same thing and it worked for me. Hard to tell if it's colder or not compared to the old stuff, because it seems to just fine.
Not sure if you will feel it ever, but the boiling point of R-12 is a little bit lower, so it should make the air colder.
