A/C refrigerant
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
Flush, change oil. Install higher capacity condenser, if possible. Install service port adapters. Vacuum and charge with r134a, usually around 60 to 70 percent of the weight of the original r12 charge.
That will usually get you in the ball park.
That will usually get you in the ball park.
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Southern OR
I didn't know it was still available.
I'll have to call a few shops to see if they still have it.
I'll have to call a few shops to see if they still have it.
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4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2
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There are three replacement refrigerant options for R12 systems: R134a, R401a, R401b. R134a is regarded, by manufacturers and adherents to the Montreal Protocols alike, as the best replacement refrigerant.
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Southern OR
I figured R134A would be the current refrigerant to use.
But didn't know if there were any changes I would have to make to the system to use it.
I don't think a bigger condenser is an option.
So I guess I'll pull the compressor, drain the oil, flush the rest of the system, replace the drier, fill with oil and run R134A.
I am a retired HVAC tech so I do have all the tools and know what I am doing.
But didn't know if there were any changes I would have to make to the system to use it.
I don't think a bigger condenser is an option.
So I guess I'll pull the compressor, drain the oil, flush the rest of the system, replace the drier, fill with oil and run R134A.
I am a retired HVAC tech so I do have all the tools and know what I am doing.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
I don't recall if a change of size of the FOT is recommended or not. It's been too long... Maybe one of the other folks recalls that detail.
I'd suggest replacing it anyway while the system is open.
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I'd suggest replacing it anyway while the system is open.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Yes as in "fixed orifice tube". It seems there are variable orifice tubes available. Not sure if they function like an expansion valve, have heard very little about them in an automotive A/S usage.
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Southern OR
The orifice takes the place of a TXV but does not vary the flow like a TXV can.
A TXV changes flow based on suction line temperature.
An orifice has a fixed flow rate dependent on the high side pressure.
They do the same thing (separate the low side from the high side) but work differently.
I would think R134A orifice would be smaller than a R12 orifice, not sure.
A TXV changes flow based on suction line temperature.
An orifice has a fixed flow rate dependent on the high side pressure.
They do the same thing (separate the low side from the high side) but work differently.
I would think R134A orifice would be smaller than a R12 orifice, not sure.