so is it as simple as charging ur r-12 system with r-134a and having a half-*** a/c? mine is HOOOTTTT and its getting into the 90's up here

EDIT: Also, is the best way to check for leaks that UV dye stuff? (Assuming u could check all the possible places with the FDs cramped engine bay)

Tmiked, wanna "service" my r-12 refrigerant?

 

I just bought the parts store retrofit 134 kit. My 93 leaked R 12 enough to need a refill every couple of years and with 134 for $6 a pound I'll put a pound or so in every year. It leaked since new. So no big deal.
The 134 gets very cold.

Joe Geiman

 

R-12 is NOT that expensive. If you think it is, then you are shopping at the wrong stores. Try some smaller garages/shops. Your A/C should never need to be refilled with freon anyways. If it's leaking well then fix it.

 

Sure ! Now that I got my 'doctorate' in AC for $15. , I guess I can make house calls.

 

I have done the Wal-mart fitting conversion on my 93 an 86 car. It blows cold just fine. Just put 15% less R134 in. And it isn't easy to find used A?C stuff.. besides the 93-94-95 issues with what type system it has there ia also the dealer install (port install) and factory install issues. I had identical pipes but had english threads in one and metric threads in the other. Mine works great.. Only problem is the dreaded PFC A/C problem......... I did the "fix" (cleaning the fan switch and got 3 out of the 4 fan speeds to work.

Does anyone know if the PFC cuts out the A/C at high RPM like the factory computer?

 

I heard Kragen.com has the conversion kit and the key is a different connector.

What does the Wal-Mart one go for?

 

It's around $20 give or take. Basicaly 2 shrader valve adapters and some oil and freon (134)

 

do you need to get the remaning r-12 out of the system before filling with r-134a or just go? I plan to do a quick r-134a filling (one 12oz can) with some UV stuff so i can find and fix all the leaks...then after the system is good get the expensive r-12 stuff and never worry about it again

 

There is this stuff called ES-12a that you can put in the system that works just as good as R-12, maybe better than R-134 and it runs at a lower pressure on the high pressure side than R-12 which means that if there is a leak it should leak out slower. Just another alternative.
Its available many places including www.autorefrigerants.com

 

ES-12a also runs at a lower pressure than R-134a

 

I took my whole system out. I have spent enough money on refridgerant or what ever else leaks out. lol Besides, does anyone else feel nervous at idle with the AC on? It feels like the car is in pain. Good luck with the AC

 

Any ideas in how to find the leaks?

 

Yes, all the R-12 should be vacuumed from the system before R-134 is added. R-12 and R-134 will gel when they are combined.

 

Well, that depends on what kind of oil is used with the new stuff. If you use the newer POE oil you won't get the "tar." That came from mixing PAG oil...which they used to use w/ R134a...and R12. Nasty, nasty stuff.

That said...you shouldn't mix them anyway. Definitely vacuum all the old stuff out.

Personally, I like Autofrost. R12-compatible, doesn't run overly hot, etc. http://www.autofrost.com in case anyone's interested.

jds

 

i also bought everything from walmart and the local part store. the only problem is the vacuum pump. borrow one form a friend they are about 350$ new if you wanted to purchase one. you could also always pay a local shop to fill it for you would cost 50$ i think.