i was thinking of converting to r134a from r12 (its $200-300 for an r12 recharge)...from what i have heard from most shops around my area...they all do this conversion:

1. two new adaptors
2. evacuate system
3. new compressor oil (ester)
4. new freon ( r134a )


this other discussion on google on car AC conversion says all about converting with new O-rings and new receiver/dryer but none of the shops i asked around said that needed to be changed.

so all u folks that have converted to r134a from r12...have u had the same above mentioned procedure done? how has it been in the long run, any problems? besides the silghtly decreased cooling of r134a? any leaks or O rings gone bad?

 

I did the conversion ,also got a new dryer ,system is still
working fine after 14 months

 

A new compressor alone could run you 600$. The o-rings should be changed, thats pennies compared to what you will be changing and i have read that the drier should be changed.. not optional at all.
go to www.ackits.com and read around, a very informative site.

 

is it possible to convert back to R12 from r134a if everything is stock from the r12 system ?

i have a r134a converted system on my 90 max...but only the adapters are new...the rest is all stock for R12....i am thinking of going back to R12 since there is someone near here who is charging $150 for it and i dont like the decreased cooling of the r134a.....

would i have any problems going back?

 

Yes you would have problems going back to R12, I have an ASE Cert in Heating and A/C (it don't make me think I'm a know it all). You NEVER want to go back to R12. Reason 1. The O-rings must be changed. Reason 2. Receiver/Drier must be replaced. Reason 3. The long term cost for having R12. When you charge a system with R12, you're not just suppose to add the freon, but you must add the oil (must be the right amount) to go with the A/C system. So long term, you want to stick with the R134a, its cost effictive.

 

There are other alternatives to using R-134A. The stuff will mix with any oil left in the system and does not require any mods except for the valves. One that I've used in my 90 Max is called Enviro-Safe. Not as cold as R-12, but in line with R-134A.

Look at http://befreetech.com/envirosafe.htm

Good luck!

Tim

 

madmax91....so you are saying that even though i have the old R12 o rings and R12 dryer and everything else for the R12 except for the valves that were put on for r134a, i would still need new o rings and dryer to convert back to R12 from r134a???

 

get a squirt or 2 of r12 refridge for the 200 bux ur gonna spend on a retrofit. I have 134a in my 92 se with the calsonic compressor and its not as good as the r12 although very acceptable. My lowside line had a damaged fitting from a owner trying to do at home retrofit- (*dumbass!) I had no choice but to retrofit. The compressor will get louder cuz the 134a is lighter. PS I never switched my O rings just ran a can of the cleaner through it and it works fine. good luck!

 

Actually yes, and I say that only because these two systems are 100% incompatible with each other. The R-12 system uses Mineral Oil, and the 134a used PAG oil. However you could do a deep flush on the system, but in any conversion process, you are ALWAYS suppose to replace the O-rings and the reciever/dryer. When I was a tech for Ford that was a requirement in the conversion process. By doing that, you reduced customer come backs. Some of the older techs didn't replace the unit, but they had most of the come backs. I was fresh out of training when I hit the floor. IMHO I would not convert back, long term R-12 is getting very expensive. (it is no longer being manufactured) R-134a is dirt cheap, and you don't have to be licensed to buy it. Weigh your options.