Converted to R134 I want my R12 back

[85AmCfreak]

Unfortunately I converted to R134 under a friends suggestion, now I want my R12 back. But How??

[eaglefreek]

Did you do a real conversion or just have the R12 sucked out and filled with 134?

[85AmCfreak]

The R12 system went down to 22 degrees on a mild day, the r134 can't hold below 45 on a cool day.
eaglefreek
The R12 sucked out and r134 put in.

[maximus7001]

When I got my eagle the r12 was missing. When the PO had the new engine put in they just dumped it. I filled it up with redtek and it blows real cold. Still full from June 2010. Cost $20 for enough to fill from empty.

R12 is 6c colder than 134a and redtek is 6c colder than R12.

Are you sure the system is full?

[eaglebeek]

Unfortunately I converted to R134 under a friends suggestion, now I want my R12 back. But How??

R12 is no longer made...the first President Bush (41) signed an executive order prohibiting the manufacture of R12 in about 1996. If you find any at all it will be reclaimed and will cost you a fortune.

[amcinstaller]

ditto what he said. r12 isnt available anymore, most places would have converted you to redtek by now, im not sure why you ended up with r134?

[eaglebeek]

ditto what he said. r12 isnt available anymore, most places would have converted you to redtek by now, im not sure why you ended up with r134?

I'm not sure why it was converted to R134A myself. My experience with R12 to R134A conversions have been less than satisfactory and done only on customer demand...much better was a substance known as FR12. But I haven't seen that for a while.

[BenM]

It could be a couple of things. There is an adjustable thermostat that cycles the pump, and that needs re-adjusted for 134a. It's behind the glove box.

You could also have a worn-out expansion valve. They're supposed to balance A/C flow, and they're charged with some R12, but that's probably leaked out by now. New ones will be charged with the 134a and work better anyway.

Lastly, the American Air condenser is bigger, but takes a different receiver/dryer. A bigger condenser will help, and if your old condenser is rotting away, it's not going to do its job very well. The receiver/dryer should have been changed when the 134a was put in. They are usually rusted to the condenser.

The only part that is really refrigerant specific is usually the expansion valve, but because 134a is just a little less efficient a bigger condenser can help, especially in cars where the original condenser may have been just sufficient. The evaporator in our cars is plenty big if it's getting enough cool refrigerant.

[eaglebeek]

AmCFreak, do you know if the receiver dryer was changed when it was charged with R134A?

[85AmCfreak]

No, the system would bleed over the winter, refilling with the r12 replacement (redtek) was getting expensive.  So I vacuumed the system, put the retro fit fittings over the r12 fittings and charged it up with the r-134. The reason I want to convert back is I have a friend who's father owned a parts store and he still has a few cases of real r12. He told me if I replaced all of my hoses and checked everything for leaks and was leak free he would fill me up free of charge. Thats a double score...... Getting actual R12 and I ain't paying for it.  but I gotta do it right this time.

[eaglebeek]

No, the system would bleed over the winter, refilling with the r12 replacement (redtek) was getting expensive.  So I vacuumed the system, put the retro fit fittings over the r12 fittings and charged it up with the r-134. The reason I want to convert back is I have a friend who's father owned a parts store and he still has a few cases of real r12. He told me if I replaced all of my hoses and checked everything for leaks and was leak free he would fill me up free of charge. Thats a double score...... Getting actual R12 and I ain't paying for it.  but I gotta do it right this time.

You have scored big time. I still would replace the receiver dryer...it's cheap insurance against later problems. I can get you a part number if you need it...NAPA has a direct-fit replacement. Expansion valves very seldom fail.

[85AmCfreak]

thanks eaglebeek I love part numbers it makes life some much easier

[eaglebeek]

thanks eaglebeek I love part numbers it makes life some much easier

NAPA P/N TEM208425

It should be noted...this is for factory installed A/C. It will not fit a car with dealer-installed or aftermarket A/C. If you have such please post up and I'll try to find you a different part.

[amcinstaller]

most ac places should have charged your car with dye as well, and that should make finding a leak easier. i know we used to use a dye that would glow in black light and that would make finding leaks a breeze.

[eaglebeek]

most ac places should have charged your car with dye as well, and that should make finding a leak easier. i know we used to use a dye that would glow in black light and that would make finding leaks a breeze.

What he said.