a/c question

[JosephBach]

i was thinking of converting my a/c system to r134a and its currently running r12, i know that in order to do so you need to have adapter for the schrader valves and replace the reciever/drier with one containing xh-7/9. is there anything else i need to add/and or change? the a/c system has no leaks and it is running a sankyo(sanden) compressor.
would this be a good investment? r12 is way too expensive, and here in az air conditioning is a must unless you want to be nice and sweaty after a drive.

[menesesjesse]

I wouldnt fix something that is not broke.  If you have cold air and you run it often you can get many more years out of it.  My truck had r12 in it for 16years and it still held the charge till I had to change out some body parts.  As long as it is used and the seals dont dry up you will be good for awhile.  If it is leaking out I say change it over.  Make sure someone reputable does it.

[Kayvan]

R134a is substantially less cold than r12.

I converted a '85 BMW 635 CSI...and even with 20yrs of technology over the SL, it was still weak.

[JosephBach]

the a/c had litltle charge left in it and ran pretty warm. it had been sitting for many years dormant, i had the rest discharged while i had to service the under dash unit so the whole system is drained, i understand it doesnt cool as well but to get r-12 it is about 70 to 100 a pound, while r134a is only about 17 a pound.

[Kayvan]

Spend the extra money.....esp. in AZ

Once you convert you cant go back

[69280sl]

If you do make the conversion be sure that all the old oil is drained out and replaced with oil correct for the 134a. I am told that the 134a cannot tolerate more than 5% of the old mineral oil in the mix.

I have also been told that all seals and hoses should be changed (which most converters don't do). Reason given is that the 134a molocules are smaller and will migrate thru where the R12 did not.

I changed over a 1967 Mustang and regret it. The new set-up is nowhere near as cold as the old.

Gus

[menesesjesse]

Considering the cost and if you still decide to stay the r12 route I would definitely change out the a/c fitting o rings while it is empty.  As long as the clutch and compressor are working good I would stay r12 if it is economically feasible and right for you.  I would think the conversion would cost plus the labor for the conversion may equal the cost of just adding the r12.  Tough call but it is yours to make.
jesse

[graphic66]

I made a filling hose that would simply put 134a into my r12 system by hooking the two hoses together. I didn't change anything. The system held pressure for two years and cooled just OK. I bought some r12 on ebay, 2 cans and put a vacuum pump on to evacuate the 134a for about 4 hours with a heat source on the accumulator, a light bulb. I then filled the system with r12, I believe it took about 1 1/2 cans. This was about 2 years ago. My AC has worked incredible ever since. I can't believe how cold it gets. I know, I know, I didn't follow any rules, I just filled it up with 134a, then dumped that and put in R12, a real big no no, but my AC still; works, better than ever. In my opinion the 134a is way inferior to R12 in a system designed for R12. In fact I really haven't had AC in any car that uses 134A put out as good as an old R12 system. The only one that came close was a recent rental, a KIA, it had killer AC.
   So, in my opinion, buy some R12 and fill it up and be happy. I have'nt tried any of the new replacement for R12, but they are just as much money as r12, so why not just use r12.
  My car has the Buds Benz modern system.