View Full Version : R12 to R134 conversion
Joe Walsh
04-30-2009, 05:51 PM
Hi guys,
I just bought an '89 CV* for a daily driver and as could be expected of a 20 year old car...the A/C is dead.
When R134 refridgerant first replaced R12 they claimed that you had to convert the entire A/C system over to R134 specific parts.
Now I hear that you can purge the R12 system, flush it, replace the O rings, and put on orifice port adapters to run R134, with the correct R134 oil, in the older R12 systems.
Has anyone had this done?
If so:
How well did it work?
How much did it cost?
* Rich Long gets the big :2thumbs: for putting me onto this CV deal!
Nice to have an 'ole 5.0 fuelie pushrod motor again!
:high5:
I'll post some pictures of it this weekend.
Mike M
04-30-2009, 06:10 PM
I have done about 50 or so of these, do the minimum and you will be fine. I would recommend replacing the rec/dry as a lot of the old oil will be in there.
Also you may have to put a bit more 134 in it for equivalent performance.
Joe Walsh
04-30-2009, 06:23 PM
What kind of coin are we talking for the conversion?
Phrog_gunner
04-30-2009, 07:19 PM
When they said convert the system over to 134 parts they basically only meant the Orings and the adapters. We used to sell those kits all the time. But they discovered the orings didnt need to be changed unless they were already leaking. Thats why almost none of the retrofit kits in the auto parts stores have any orings in them anymore.
You should change the Receiver/Dryer ANYtime you have the system open because the desiccant in there will suck up moisture from the atmosphere and then be too saturated to filter the moisture from the system once its closed back up.
The only thing you should have to pay someone to do is vacuum the system/leak check it and the rest you can do VERY easily on your own.
ctrlraven
05-01-2009, 06:05 AM
I enjoy R-12 in my 89 5.0, 31-32 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot humid summer day. Does wonders for female passengers..... ding ding turkey's done. :lol:
justbob
05-01-2009, 07:19 AM
I have done at minimum now 15 cars, all I did was get the new valve in the retrofit kit at any FLAPS, add oil, and 134a and never had a problem. Stupid simple process and way easier than some make it out to be.
Keep in mind that refrigerant does NOT evaporate in a perfectly sealed system. I have personally seen customers cars and family vehicles that were 30 years old and NEVER had a/c work done that were still cold as ice. If it doesn't work now then there is a leak somewhere, however probably a very minor one. I spend about $25.00 a year to keep my mothers car cold, small leak and no ambition to search it out.
Georges93LX
05-01-2009, 07:29 AM
I have done about 50 or so of these, do the minimum and you will be fine. I would recommend replacing the rec/dry as a lot of the old oil will be in there.
Also you may have to put a bit more 134 in it for equivalent performance.
I had this done when I had a new engine installed in my '93. I don't remember the cost but I know it wasn't very expensive. This was 4 years ago and have never had a problem and works great.
Vortech347
05-02-2009, 12:25 AM
I just installed the fitting kit on my 20 year old foxbody. Runs the 134 like a champ.
Blk Mamba
05-02-2009, 07:32 AM
I converted my Dodge Dakota, a few years ago, about $35 for the kit, and a couple hours, had to change the inlet fittings in order to use the new equipment..
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