Topic: R12 to R134A / Change or Not
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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Lifetime MemberI am in the same boat, on my way back from Cleveland my AC developed a leak in the tube going to the condenser so a fix and recharge has to be done. I have R12 and will stay with that even though the cost is high. The last time I repaired it was 5 years ago. The thing I am worried about is what else should I do to make sure something else doesn't break/start to leak after I have fixed it. I completely rebuilt the system 11 years ago so is it time to do it again? Should I change out all the o-rings now or is better to leave it alone?
Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System
Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
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I would definitely do a very good visual inspection of the other hoses. Change the orings and maybe replace the dryer since the system has been opened. I would opt to change to R134a. I did my 75 and have been very happy with the results.
Scott
My old ford van had r12. the a/c guys at work put some stuff in that was "suppose " to be compatable. It worked for a week and wouldn't cool again. my buddy and I changed the dryer, the orifice tube and he ran some stuff thru it that cleaned out the lines, condenser and evatorator. We drew a vacumn and charged it with 134a. I sold the van three years ago when I bought my 77 vette and a 93 ford explorer. My neighbor bought it and uses it to go to Nascar races, camping. the A/C is still working very well.
The 93 didn't have a working a/c system. I rebuilt the system, pulled a vacumn and charged it with 134a. That was three years ago and you can hang meat in it with in 5 minutes of starting the motor at walmart in 100 degree weather after shopping with my wife (FOR HOURS).
My VETTE. we, it was converted to 134 when I got it. It cooled the air a bit. I have had it for three years now, never did anything to it. I turned it on not long ago and it never cooled at all. I have only drivin the car 5k in three years and not far from home. The T-tops have stayed in the cases in the storage area about 4800 of those miles. so a/c??? whats the use...
Ricebiker,
Does that mean crotchrocket? I used to ride a fast Yamaha, I still prefer the performance of rice burners over the Harley, but I guess the Harley has better resale value.
My '82 is my daily driver, I love it and I'm going to drive it everywhere! My small town (100 degrees +) Arkansas hvac tech said the R-12 pressure was very good so he topped it of with Freeze-12 (why I don't know, he's supposed to be the expert) and said he was trying to save me money by not doing a 134a changeover. He charged me $50 and sent me on my way, some savings, it still is only pretty cool air with no improvement. Next time I will get my way and get a changeover and a system cleanse and vacuum check. It's kind of like going to the doctor, sometimes they know best?
Thanks for the response,
terntes
I fix a/c systems for a living,,,r-12 is a much better refrigerant,however a 30 lb can costs me 1000.oo dollars (if I can find it) r134 is not as good but a 30 lb can costs me 110.00,,its a matter of bucks,,if your old r12 system is still intact,,stay with it,,if you need to upgrade then go with r134,,rd
The cost and availability is why everything I have now has 134a. not to mention I can do all the work myself. I can't buy, sell or trade R12 (no license)
Yea, I ride a Yamaha Virago 1100cc. I have been riding bikes since I was 13 and I am 48 now. I don't figure I will ever stop riding. besides, trucks get 20 mpg, vette gets 19 mpg, bike gets 45mpg... again, cost!!!
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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