R134

870 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Smokin_Joe, Apr 3, 2001

red66

Discussion Starter · Apr 3, 2001

Is there any problem if I just buy a $30 R-12 to R-134a convertor klit (plus the additional R-134a coolant) for my original Ford AC? Any gotchas here?

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Some say the R-134A is rough on compressors.... I've heard they'll last a while, but eventually start rattling and go bad......... Then there is a friend that claims he let the R-12 out (Don't tell EPA) and put R-134A back in.. 4 years ago, no problem!

I think if I was in your situation, I would remove each individual componet, flush the R-12 refrigerant oil out with lacquer thinner or mineral spirits, blow out with an air hose, re-install with correct ester (R-134A compatable) refrigerant oil, replace filter/dryer, evacuate and recharge with the R-134A. You use 80% R-134A to what your system calls for in R-12

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· #3 · Apr 3, 2001

In the great majority of cases the original A/C will never operate correctly with the R-134 in it.
I know they say all you need is the kit but it ain't gonna work

Greg B

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Art

· #4 · Apr 3, 2001

Go here;
http://members.tripod.com/~jbabs714/autoac.htm

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· #5 · Apr 3, 2001

I had a leaking evaporator on my aerostar last year, and had to have it replaced and the system converted ($450.00). They guy used one of the flush kits, then blew it out with compressed air. Then put in one of the conversion kits. It works, but it never blows as cool as r12 did. On a really hot day, it's almost useless. I feel a heartfelt Thank You to our wonderful government, at this point, for protecting us from that awful r12. I feel so much safer now that people have to goto Mexico to buy it.

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· #6 · Apr 3, 2001

I've heard all the rumors comparing r34a to r12, and how r134a does not compare to the classic mix. For myself, my 92 ford pickup lost the compressor about three years ago (r12 system). So I considered my options, and converted it over to r134a - right in the driveway. As previously mentioned, you simply flush out the lines - the two refrigerants are NOT compatible - and since I replaced the compressor, I also replaced the drier (er....or whatever the name for that cylindrical unit is....). And the best part is that I can now service the system myself, at least for now - as the refrigerant is available to you and I over the counter.

I'm happy with how cool my truck’s a/c system is blowing (I'm in Dallas - and you can NEVER get too cool here). So, there you go. Mebbie in a vintage system the r134a is not as effective.... However, I'm sure r134a will soon go the way r12 did, but at least, if you converted, you could stock up on the more affordable and available refrigerant.

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Smokin_Joe

· #7 · Apr 3, 2001

There's more to it than what those kits say. I did a conversion on my son's Aerostar and it works as long as it's done right. We replaced the compressor, receiver/dryer, fixed orifice tubes, and blew out all lines with brake cleaner and compressed air. R-134a operates on a higher discharge pressure and temperature so it's imperative your condenser and hoses can handle the additional loading. As a minimum, you must replace the receiver dryer, and condenser if it's still the original. You may want to consider the compressor if it's an old one.
This all sounds terribly expensive but it'll cost you more in the long run if you don't pay attention to the entire system. You may want to consider repairing your existing system and recharge with R-12.

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