R12 and RS24 Refrigerant or R134a

[JonCheun]

Since R12 is expensive and I live in Las Vegas where it is 115 F here already. I have the original A/C in my 1981 T/A. I put 1.5 lbs of R12 that I had. I worked fine for about a week then leaked out. I am going to find the leak and fix it but I have no more R12.

Has anyone Converted their system to R134a. I know they sell retrofit kits at the parts store but does it work on our systems. I was told by a mechanic friend that they don't make a conversion for our system.

So I have been doing research on the internet and RS24 Refrigerant came up and it is replacement for R12. It says you don't have to change anything just empty the R12 completely out and add RS24.

Has anyone done the RS24 or converted to R134a?

 

[melsg5]

I did a conversion on two Fords and just emptied the system, attached the adaptor, and recharged. Make sure you use a small amount of compatible oil.

 

[cowboyfann]

R12

I was in the process of changing the R12 in my AC system to 134 and asked an auto ac tech for advice. I was surprised when he told me to just get adaptors for the compressor the low and high ports and put 134 right into the system on top of the R12! I was surprised but thought "What the heck did I have to loose since I was facing the revamp of the system anyway to do the conversation". I found and fixed the leak and put the 134 into the system. It has been 6 years and the system is still working better than it did with the R12 system. The AC Tech told me the companies that state that this can not be done and the whole system has to be converted or the seals,O-rings, compressor, etc. will be damaged if 134 is put on top of a R-12 system or even in a fully purged R-12 system are only trying to sell parts.

All I know is that it worked for me for a lot of years.

I know that this post is old but if you have not done it yet for a few $'s you could try this.

cowboyfann

 

[primem]

the problem with that is no shop will want to work on a system will a cocktail blend r12 and r134a; it will contaminate their equipment.

______________________________

 

[Kevlar]

The reason that a full purge and 'O' ring or seal replacement is recommended is that 134a is more corrosive than r12. And primem is right in that the pros will not like mixing up the refrigerents. Some states (CA for one) can be very persnickety about environmental regulations. Fines may levied, licenses lost over these things. These are also the reasons the pros may be obligated to recommend doing it right.

Now, if you've mixed it up and it's been working well for you for some time, enjoy the cool air and count your blessings.

 

[cowboyfann]

Ac

I do my own AC work and do not take my Cars to the "PROS".What ever that means! All I know is that it has been over 6 years since I did this and the system is still working better than before. Where are the facts that 134 is corrosive? If it were other parts in the system would also be at risk.

Do what you want I was only presenting my experience and the results!

Cowboyfann

 

[cowboyfann]

the problem with that is no shop will want to work on a system will a cocktail blend r12 and r134a; it will contaminate their equipment.

And this is based on What? If the PROS try to evacuate a system that has leaked out all of the R-12 do you think that what ever was introduced by the leak may also contaminate the "PROS" equipment?

Just sharing my experience. Do what you want to do.

 

[cowboyfann]

the problem with that is no shop will want to work on a system will a cocktail blend r12 and r134a; it will contaminate their equipment.

And you know this for a fact?

______________________________

 

[Too Fast]

I'm a pro, and would not work on a car with a blend of R-12 R-134a. I'd tell them I'd have to work on it only after all the mix is somehow out of the system before I work on it.

If a car comes into the shop with all the R-12 leaked out, nothing can be introduced into the system but air, which is purged during the recycle process.

There used to be a thought that R-134a is more corrosive/prone to leaks, but time has shown that old R-12 hoses form a barrier from the oil in the R-12 system circulating that the smaller R-134 molecules can't penetrate.

R-12 oil won't circulate like the newer PAG oils do with R134, so compressor longevity could be an issue.

One should also install a new accumuator for the R134a, the dessicant is different than the R12 spec.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Too Fast got it right , I did it on my 90 Silverado, flushed the system out with alcohol , got a new compressor, orfice tube and reciever dryer, added the correct Pag oil and swapped the orings. Five years now without a hitch.

Original compressor only lasted a year with only the 134a installed .


This guy on Ebay that will sell you everything you need for a real good price ..............100% FEEDBACK . ( I got my stuff from him)

http://www.ebay.com/usr/kendeb13

Send him a message , he will even talk to you on the phone if you need more info/ help.

What ever you decide , DO NOT USE FREON WITH SEALER OR SEALER OF ANY KIND! ( You will mess up your system and will have to replace everything!)

Doug In P.R.