how do i convert to r134a

elsmith · Member Necoa #: 2741 Joined: Mar 26, 2004 Posts: 1

Hi There everybody I am new the the site. I have a 79 elky. I live in phoenix and it is a little warm here. I would like to get the ac working on my car. I need to replace the lines the one has a hole in it. I was told to convert to the 134a and have it work decent i would have to change the condenser. I have the a6 compressor on it. What all would I have to do to get my ac up and running? I would appriciate any suggestions and advice Thanks Eric

acauth1 · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:33 pm Post subject:

Searcj is our friend! Here's a couple of related threads:

http://elcaminocentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=319

http://elcaminocentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=2766
_________________
El Camino Central Founder/AdministratorAuto A/C & Electrical Shop Owner, ASE Master

Randy135 · Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:23 pm Post subject:

If you would like to try a new type refrigerant that takes the place of freon
12 and don't want to make any changes to your A/C system try Freeze 12
refrigerant. I put it in my sons 89 camaro and it seems to work real well.
You want to find out more about Freeze 12 you can go to www.autorefrigerants.com

Randy

acauth1 · Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 1:03 pm Post subject:

Ack!!! Not recommended!!! Freeze 12 is a blend, do not use, ever!
Any alternative refrigerant requires specific adapters and labeling. There is no such thing as a drop in replacement for R12. The use of any refrigerant other than R12 or 134a voids warranties, fractionates and contaminates recovery equipment and refrigerants. Being in the auto a/c business, I have seen first hand the damage caused to systems from using freeze 12 among others. I had one customer several years ago who installed this garbage in his system. He didn't label it nor did he use the required fittings. His compresser burned up in short order and brought the vehicle to me. Only after I had recovered the refrigerant did he later mention he had personally put Freeze 12 in his system. Needless to say, I was left with a nearly full 30lb bottle of contaminated R12, (about $1000.00 loss to me.) Since then I have invested in refrigerant identification equipment and have been forced to identify the refrigerant in all customer cars before servicing.
Above, I mentioned the word "fractionate," and should clarify. It means that since the refrigerant is a "blend," when you develop a leak in the system, (which you will,) the smaller of the two molecules of the blend will leak out first, rendering any remaining refrigerant in the system useless.
Freeze 12 is a 20% HCFC 142b, and 80% HFC 134a
Since the EPA mandates require recovering the compound and recycling, the unusable refrigerant has to be recovered and shipped back to the manufacturer, which ultimately leads to DIY'ers bleeding the compound out in to the atmosphere. Most a/c shops will not even bother fooling with this stuff.
Save your money and your system, use one of the only two refrigerants approved by all car makers, 134a or R12.
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El Camino Central Founder/AdministratorAuto A/C & Electrical Shop Owner, ASE Master