how to tell what kind of freon I have in my AC system.

Just got the car, still trying to learn, summer is around the corner and AC is not working

I pm the previous owner already. but just wanna ask if anybody know how to tell if it has R134a or R12. Also how to tell between the 2 compressors (Nippodenso or Sanden)

I tried to search, found something but the picture links are dead.

Any input will be appreciated

Thanks a lot

 

The size of the nipples on the fill port are different sizes. The R134 *kit* would have had a larger nipple that *they* would have had to install over the stock fill port. Go to the auto store and stare at a *retro kit* for R134 and compare that size nipple with the one on your car.

Or Google *R134 KIT* and get hits like this: http://autorepair.about.com/od/regul...C-recharge.htm

But you really SHOULD read these threads on THIS forum about A/C. Like https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...highlight=R134

OR this really, really, really, really, really old/ancient thread by the Mouse: https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...highlight=R134

Or Search THIS site and use the term R134 in the search box.

EDIT: The difference in the two compressors is shown in the SERIES FIVE section of the FSM called something like Heating and A/C. Even if you have a series four car, the compressors are still shown in the SERIES FIVE FSM.

 

if you can get a hold of a Haynes manual, it shows the difference in compressors, the FSM might have it too, been a while since i've flipped through the FC FSM.

 

Normally, if converted, there are different fittings that have been installed to accept the R134 hoses, and a sticker to identlfy that R134 has been used.
If not, might as well install the 134 as the 12 is very costly if it can be found, but the conversion lacks the cooling ability of the 12.
I would suggest looking at the plate on the compressor to see manufacturer.

 

Whichever is the one people convert to dont do it, it's not as cold blowing, I dont get why new cars these day a/c never blows that cold, my fc was blowing air cold enough to give you the chills a few yrs ago and it was never recharged.

 

You should never convert an r-12 to an r-134a system for several reasons but the best is that r-134a is not as good of s cooling, but secondary major reason is because r-134a is far worse for the environment. Once the government stated r-12 is worse than r-134a (which they were wrong about) they couldn't take it back and now we are stuck with a cooling system that is way way less efficient than r-12. This is not my opinion but simple facts that my air conditioning specialist relayed to me when I very recently inquired about charging my r-12 system. Not only is r-12 better for cooling but also does not require the constant "recharging" that an r-134a system requires. A well sealed and leak free r-12 system can hold the charge for 15 or 20 years as long as the drier bottle and the o-rings stay in good shape. Best thing to do is to replace/repair any leaking part of the air conditioning system and than have it charged properly with r-12.

Oh yeah, for a complete recharge of my a/c system it will cost me no more than $200 as long as I don't need to fix anything. And if it is leak free than I will never need to recharge that system making it a much better investment than the constant r-134a recharging that such systems require.

 

Yeah they made it really hard to get, my friend went to college for heating and ac stuff.

I think he said something like r12 is much colder, requires lesspressure (leaks less often) and doesn't go bad as quickly.

My grandmas mustang a 1999 sometimes blows cold for a few mins (even when she first go it it'd be flaky) and then it goes warm right after, now it needs a recharge she never uses it but when it was freshly recharged it wasnt good.

I think conversions go worse because the system wasnt designed for it.

 

In most conversions its not done right. The o-rings all have to be replaced for it to work, along with the drier bottle and the actual a/c unit under the dash has to be changed for internals. Any air conditioning shop that is licensed can get r-12 refrigerant, its all a matter of whether or not they do enough work on older cars to have it on hand. My a/c place charges me $60 for labor to vacuum it out for an hour or however long it takes and than $50 per lb of r-12. I am going to have them pressure test for leaks while they do the work to make sure it is good before they charge the system.

 

If I remember correctly, there was no conversion nipple to R-134a.

 

r12 fittings have threads on them to hook up machine and are smaller. 134a have a lip on them