Can You retrofit a car to use R-134a refrigerant?
There is NO reason to retrofit a vehicle to R-134a as long as the R-12 system is cooling properly and contains a normal charge of refrigerant. A/C systems designed to use R-12 will cool best when charged with R-12 refrigerant. Even if the system leaks, repairing the leaks and recharging it with R-12 is usually the best repair alternative.
Is it possible to retrofit an R-12 a / C system?
The other approach to retrofit is the “quick and cheap” one. On many 1989 through 1993 vintage vehicles, R-12 A/C systems can be converted by simply recovering any refrigerant that is still in the system, adding POE oil (which is compatible with both types of refrigerant), and recharging to 85 to 90% capacity with R-134a.
When did they start using the R134a instead of the R12?
Many organizations consider that R134A contributes to global warming. Vehicles which were manufactured in the year 1994 and early used to use the R12 for the air conditioning. Cars older than 1994 started using the R134A instead of R12.
What can the R134a air conditioner be used for?
The R134A is now commonly used in the air conditioning systems in vehicles, but it can also be used in fridges, freezers and other coolers similar to the applications of the R12. The R134A is sometimes also used for cooling overclocked computer systems.
There is NO reason to retrofit a vehicle to R-134a as long as the R-12 system is cooling properly and contains a normal charge of refrigerant. A/C systems designed to use R-12 will cool best when charged with R-12 refrigerant. Even if the system leaks, repairing the leaks and recharging it with R-12 is usually the best repair alternative.
The other approach to retrofit is the “quick and cheap” one. On many 1989 through 1993 vintage vehicles, R-12 A/C systems can be converted by simply recovering any refrigerant that is still in the system, adding POE oil (which is compatible with both types of refrigerant), and recharging to 85 to 90% capacity with R-134a.
How to retrofit a General Motors R12 car?
Recharge the system with about 15% less R134a than the R12 specification. Their formula is: (R12 lbs x .9) – .25 lb. = R134a Charge LABELS Special R134a service labels that meet SAE requirements are required by law. | Return to E38.org| Retrofit Index Page| TOP Of Page
What’s the difference between R12 and R134a charge level?
This indicates that an R12 charge level of 2 lbs. converts to an R134a charge level of 1.55 lbs. While the formula above is helpful, you might be strapped for time and need an answer quickly. Below is a PDF of tables that show R12 to R134a refrigerant charge conversions in pounds and ounces:
Can a R-12 air conditioner be converted to an R-134a?
Because R-12 is no longer produced in the U.S. Supplies of recycled R-12 still exist, and some R-12 is still brought in from offshore suppliers. But it is hard to find and expensive. That’s why many people simply recharge their older R-12 air conditioning system with R-134a after repairs have been made. R-134a Retrofit Conversion Costs
What’s the difference between the R12 and the R134a?
While the R134A doesn’t damage the Earth’s ozone layer like its predecessor the R12, it still is not considered the safest refrigerant. Many organizations consider that R134A contributes to global warming. Vehicles which were manufactured in the year 1994 and early used to use the R12 for the air conditioning.
How to convert your car’s a / C system from R12 to R134a?
The A/C system in many older vehicles needs to be converted from R12 refrigerant to R134a refrigerant. This video shows you how to convert your vehicle’s A/C system from R12 to R134a using an IDQ Retrofit Kit. 1. Locate the low-side and high-side A/C service ports.
Can a GM R-12 be converted to 134A?
Contrary to popular belief, most cars originally equipped with R-12 can be converted to 134a and still keep you just as cool. Understanding the basic type of a/c systems GM used on their classics will help with you determine the best route for your project. This is a generic term for the earlier valve regulated systems for the early GM vehicles.
Which is a better refrigerant R12 or R134A?
One alternative to the R12 refrigerant is R134A Soon, the R12 got banned in many places and were. As a result, replaced with other refrigerant gases out of which one is the R134A. Unlike the R12, the R134A contains hydrogen and fluorine molecules which is why it is known as HFC rather than CFC.
Can a 134a compressor be charged with a R12 hose?
Drain the compressor oil and recharge with 134a compatible (PAG or Ester Oil) oil. This is assuming the compressor is currently functioning correctly. Replace or restore all rubber hoses with barrier hose. Install 134a charge port adapters. Charge with 134a between 70-80% of the original R12 charge amount. Replace any O-rings with 134a compatible.
Do you have to have R-134a fittings on high service ports?
After the modifications are made, the system is recharged to about 85 to 90% of its original capacity with R-134a. Federal law also requires the permanent installation of R-134a fittings on the high and low service ports to reduce the chance of refrigerant cross-contamination the next time the vehicle is serviced.
Because R-12 is no longer produced in the U.S. Supplies of recycled R-12 still exist, and some R-12 is still brought in from offshore suppliers. But it is hard to find and expensive. That’s why many people simply recharge their older R-12 air conditioning system with R-134a after repairs have been made. R-134a Retrofit Conversion Costs
After the modifications are made, the system is recharged to about 85 to 90% of its original capacity with R-134a. Federal law also requires the permanent installation of R-134a fittings on the high and low service ports to reduce the chance of refrigerant cross-contamination the next time the vehicle is serviced.