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Old May 16, 2004 | 07:59 PM
  #1  
teg3's Avatar
teg3
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From: colorado
convert A/C



My question is 2 fold.

1.I want to convert from r12 to r134 on my ac mostly because its out of date
system and very costly and r12 is hard to find.Have any of you changed over
to the new stuff using the conversion kits.And what issues did you find ?.

I had my system checked no leaks.But they want to do alot of extra things
like flush radiator and transmition but I had it done allready.Which adds to the cost.

thanks tom
 
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Old May 16, 2004 | 08:25 PM
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From: Houston, TX
I have changed over 4 family cars, including a 90 and 91 3.0 Aerostar. Other than having to pay for the hose everytime (that comes with the kit) I have had no problem. After the Freon is removed I change the fittings, hook up the hose and the 134 oil and conditioner container and partially charge the system. I then add 3 lbs of R134 for the Aerostars. So far no problems.

Klaus Cook
Houston, Texas
 
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Old May 16, 2004 | 09:08 PM
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I've done it a few times, mostly on gm products, the one "extra" thing you may want to do with a conversion is change the accumulator. Chances are that the accumulator is allready worn out, and changing it might just improve the lifespan of the system.
 
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Old May 17, 2004 | 03:34 AM
  #4  
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JTHill24
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From: Orland USA
The worst problem R-134a is it will destroy your A/C pump/compresser.
My friend changed over in one that was working good. One week later he was buying a new compresser. I know of 3 other people that had problems with theirs after a change over. Plus I was just reading on the web about problems that people have run into with it.
I myself am refilling mine with Freeze-12. $6.99 for a 12oz can at Kragen's. Will mix fine with R-12. My wife has had it in her aerostar for the last 5-6 years and it works great.
 
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Old May 17, 2004 | 08:24 AM
  #5  
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As long as you add R134A compatible oil when you convert you should have no problems with the compressor.
 
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Old May 17, 2004 | 01:08 PM
  #6  
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JTHill24
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From: Orland USA
That's what I thought/heard until I did some searching. It looks to be a commom problem.
I can understand why. They where made to be used with R-12 and it's oil. Now your putting in something that is differant.
Like putting un-leaded gas into a pre-70 engine. It burns hotter so it can/does damage the values.

The new compressors now are made to run with R-134a
 
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Old May 17, 2004 | 01:40 PM
  #7  
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From: Houston, TX
For what its worth.....

My '92 Cougar is going on 3 years since the conversion.
My '77 Malibu approx 2 years.
My '90 Aerostar approx 18 months.
My '91 Aerostar approx 30 days.

All are working although the Cougar has a slight coolant leak.....

Klaus Cook
Houston, Texas
 
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Old May 17, 2004 | 01:49 PM
  #8  
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reever
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From: laurel springs NJ
Absolutely no problems with 134A in an R12 compressor. Prior to doing conversion, Remove as much of the R12 oil as possible. Make sure you change out the Accumulator, and the orifice. Replace oil with the 134A type. ( I don't remember which goes with what). Pump down system for 30 to 45 minutes. Make sure you hold vaccuum, install 134A.
Van has been running with conversion for over a year now. Compressor is fine....
Do a Google on R12 conversions... Tons of info out on the WEB....

-reever
 
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Old May 17, 2004 | 05:24 PM
  #9  
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From: colorado
The conversion kit I have has the oil and freon all in the can with the right mixture or so they say.I had the system inspected and all checks out.I will let you know the out come thanks everybody..tom
 
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Old May 17, 2004 | 09:28 PM
  #10  
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teg3
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From: colorado
Thumbs up Completed task

Hi guys,

Well I completed the task took one hour.It took 2 1/2 cans 15oz each of R-134a and oil charge.the high and low pressure lines were close by and easy to find.The gage that came with the kit was ok.Not perfect butable to keep track so I would stay in the normal range.Ill let you know how it comes out.

thanks everybody
 
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