Can You retrofit a car to use R-134a refrigerant?

Can You retrofit a car to use R-134a refrigerant?

There is NO reason to retrofit a vehicle to R-134a as long as the R-12 system is cooling properly and contains a normal charge of refrigerant. A/C systems designed to use R-12 will cool best when charged with R-12 refrigerant. Even if the system leaks, repairing the leaks and recharging it with R-12 is usually the best repair alternative.

Is it possible to retrofit an R-12 a / C system?

The other approach to retrofit is the “quick and cheap” one. On many 1989 through 1993 vintage vehicles, R-12 A/C systems can be converted by simply recovering any refrigerant that is still in the system, adding POE oil (which is compatible with both types of refrigerant), and recharging to 85 to 90% capacity with R-134a.

What’s the difference between R-12 and R-134a?

Regardless of which retrofit method is used, cooling performance will vary depending on the design of the system. As a rule, expect anywhere from a 3% to 15% decrease in cooling performance when an R-12 system is converted to R-134a.

Can a Ford fx-15 compressor be replaced with R-134a?

Because R-134a raises compressor discharge pressures and increases the compressors work load, some lightweight compressors may not be rugged enough to tolerate R-134a over the long haul. This applies to the Harrison DA6 and Ford FX-15 compressors. The Harrison DA6 can be replaced with a HD-6, HR-6 or HR-6HE compressor.

What do I need to retrofit my AC to R-134a?

R-134a, adapter hose, new R-134a service port adapters, retrofit label, new schrader valves), a third 12 oz. can of R-134a (for a grand total of 40oz.), a large bore schrader valve and valve removal tool, Snap ring pliers (if replacing the compressor), safety goggles and maybe gloves, and a normal assortment of metric and standard wrenches/sockets.

How to convert an R12 compressor to a R134a?

R12 to R134a Conversion steps. The first step is first to make sure that the AC system is empty. Discharge and make sure to recycle it properly. Make sure your AC compressor is in good shape, otherwise replace it. Flush your current system entirely of R12 without leaving any traces of the R12 in it.

One key to the use of R-134a is the amount to use. At a given temperature, R-134a will have a higher pressure than R-12. Therefore, you must use LESS R-134a in your system than you would R-12. The formula is this: R-12 amount x 90% – 1/4 lb. = R-134a amount. In the F-body system, 48 ounces of R-12 are used (3 pounds). Thus, applied to the formula:

Can a R-134a air conditioner hose be replaced?

As it turns out, R-134a has a smaller molecular structure, and can seep out through older hoses. If your hoses are in bad shape, you might think about replacement, otherwise its not recommended as necessary. If it leaks out, it will be slowly, and an R-134a recharge is so cheap it’s not a big deal.