R12 A/C needs a sex change

[DaveInDenver]

My R12 A/C in (85 Camry, 235K) is not as cold and needs a sex change. But which sex?

R134, R604, Frig12, Freeze-12...... Ahhhhhhhh.

Did not know that I would have to get a degree in physics with minor in mechanical engineering to fig this out. And then my b/s meter gave up on the the 4th shop I called.

I am leaning toward a Freeze-12 solution (full evac, etc) for $200... best sales pitch so far... from a full service independent shop (not just imports).

So.... who has done this.... and I want to see the scars to prove it.

Thanks
DaveInDenver

[blkdmnrcing]

the r134 is the simplest conversion. its just new fittings that screw onto your existing fittings and your done. however r134 is not as cold as r12. so i just kept with the r12 for now.

[jasonck08]

Just got back from the shop... had mine converted from R12 to R134A for $125 including parts and labor.

It does get quite cold... I don't know if there was any difference between in performance between the R12 that was in there (when it was working a great a year ago) and the R134A they put in. Gets cold reasonable fast on a 95F day.

[Justin727]

Originally Posted by blkdmnrcing

the r134 is the simplest conversion. its just new fittings that screw onto your existing fittings and your done. however r134 is not as cold as r12. so i just kept with the r12 for now.

When doing that you're just done with getting the system to accept the R134A charge hose fittings... LOL theres a little bit more to it then just that.

Gotta vacuum out all the R12. Take apart the lines and flush them properly. Add the currect amount of ester oil that comes with a proper kit and replace Orings.

Theres a few other things I personally would change out. But thats just a simple break down of what needs to be done.

[blkdmnrcing]

well the evac is a given, as far as breaking everything down. its better but not neccessary. we did this procedure at the dealership all the time and never broke the system down to replace anything and never had any problems

[Rebound91]

I'm converting my system to R134 and I had a mechanic friend mentioned to me that it's good practice to replace the reciever/dryer when you do the conversion. I'm not sure if it improves the reliability of the conversion or if it's just good to do when the system is evacuated. It's only about $40, so I may do that.

[blkdmnrcing]

its just a good idea while you have it evacuated. this way you know it shouldnt go up in the next month or two. for $40 i would do it.

[Justin727]

Originally Posted by blkdmnrcing

well the evac is a given, as far as breaking everything down. its better but not neccessary. we did this procedure at the dealership all the time and never broke the system down to replace anything and never had any problems

True, I've personally went thru an old late 80's celica and a 90 supra which we had to replace (dealer) the compressor due to the "just screw on fittings" evac and charge with R134a locking up the compressors.

Actually the celica customer was tryin to get it done cheap cheap.
The Supra guy (friend) actually got the correct kit but the guy that took on the project after I started it didnt do something right Im not sure as I had to take time off from work.

Now I have had good luck with breaking a few lines since we dont have a flush machine that will pressurize the systems and running the flush solvent thru them.

Food for thought guys

[blkdmnrcing]

it is a very good idea to do that. my dealership always took the bs way out just to make a quick buck. i still run r12 in mine so i havent had to worry about it, and when i run out, well the a/c is going away so no worries for now.