I have to have the a/c system serviced and charged, has anyone converted to r134a?? Is really as simple as doing one of those $25 retro kits, or do you get what you pay for??

 

a couple of O-Ring and gasket to change. I think a good shop should charge only one hour so it doesn't worth the troubles.

If you are able to find r12, stick with it, it cools down a lot much more.

It would have cost me 80$ to change it + the cost of the coolant 40-50$

puma

 

IF you have an O'Reilly Auto Parts or Chief Auto Parts store near you. You might check out something called "Freeze 12." I was told it was compatable. Don't take my word on it, do your own research.

 

This topic can out a few time already. The gen consenus is that R12 is still cooler than the retrofit to R134a. If it costs the same, I would use R12 bc the AC is weak to begin with. Just make sure the system is pressure tested so you don't waste money filling in the freon and have it leak on you.

The last time this issue pop up, it was generally agreed that there is no easy substitute for R12. There are a few freon named similar to freeze 12 or what ever but they are for non-automotive use (refrigerator).

 

<sigh...rant mode on, AGAIN....>

Go read the Haynes manual for Air conditioning systems if you are having issues before even going to a shop, so at least you are informed. I've had way too many experiences with fellow car owners/family being ripped off because of a lousy technician or lying technicians (Just had this happen LAST WEEK!)

The "quickie" R-134a conversion is no heaven-send at all.....it is a nightmare! It is most often done incorrectly. Not enough typing left in my fingers to go into all the problems with the quickie converts (even if done by a shop).

As for 134a efficiency, it is pretty close. Not much lost. Many FL and CA converts aren't complaining.

Run the fan at a lower speed if it is too hot.
Huh? Threw you a curveball there?
Yup, go read.....slower fan means more efficient heat transfer.

By the way, you don't "cool-off", you have heat removed from your cabin (heat is absorbed and removed by the condenser).

Oh yeah, the blends aren't a good idea either....(ICOR stuff, or any of the the others). If you have a leak, and lose one of the gases.....well.....basic chemisty and partial pressure of gases.

Don't like what I have to say? =)
I follow the LaBreck school of posting - the truth, nothing but the truth....and if it has to be scathing....then so be it....

A.F.

- fixes his own A/C, fixes his own cars, fixes everything he can, himself, because he would rather spend money on tools than getting ripped off....

 

I agree with you Bond007 100%. Well put.

 

"Freeze 12" works I use it.

Later, Jeff

 

I just found out that I do NOT need a compressor as was originally diagnosed by a friend of mine (Jack...I'm gonna beat Darrel down lol!!). Anyway, the A/C shop says the R134 will NOT be as cold as the R12 freon. R134 is not a stable fluid meaning it is constantly expanding and leveling off. Also, I was told that the R134 needs a very strong air flow for it to cool and with the Enormous amt. of heat produced by our cars is not feasible. As for the R12, we only need about 2 cans to fill the system!!! So, say $40 to keep your A/C system as it was originally designed is what I think the Best route to take. NO R134......NO R134....NoR134 haha!