Retrofit for 134a!
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Semmes Al
Retrofit for 134a!
Has anyone had a retrofit for 134a for their R12 system? My 91 finally stopped cooling today and after getting it fixed they want $145 to change over to 134a. Any comments!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I had my 87 changed to R134a. The compressor was leaking and it quit cooling. Because the compressor has a leak, I just had my shop vacuum out the R-12 (which they kept) and the old oil and install the R134a and the proper oil for that. There are two new valves that must be installed( the hokkup connections are different for R134a).
After a year, it's still cooling fine and the temp at the dash vents is 40 degrees using the Max Air setting
A proper conversion to R134a with a new accumulator, o-rings, orifice and valves, will cost more than your quote, but IMHO it's worth doing as R-12 will be harder and harder to find down the road.
When my old-style R-4 compressor goes out, it's gonna cost a bunch to replace!
After a year, it's still cooling fine and the temp at the dash vents is 40 degrees using the Max Air setting
A proper conversion to R134a with a new accumulator, o-rings, orifice and valves, will cost more than your quote, but IMHO it's worth doing as R-12 will be harder and harder to find down the road.
When my old-style R-4 compressor goes out, it's gonna cost a bunch to replace!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 76
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From: South Meriden CT
If the compressor was leaking why didn't the 134a leak out when you converted your system? Or did you replace the compressor....I have an '87 and I my ac is blowing warm air also and i want to fix it before summer is over.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
Most of the early worrys about converting have been disproved. Any auto parts store will sell you a conversion kit for about $30. If you read the label on the "drop ins" they are mostly 134a. We've converted lots of them in AZ. with no problems to the compressors or leaks. They should have changed it over when they fixed your problem.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 667
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From: Centennial Colorado
Originally Posted by 91C4
Has anyone had a retrofit for 134a for their R12 system? My 91 finally stopped cooling today and after getting it fixed they want $145 to change over to 134a. Any comments!
You say "after getting it fixed", if it's fixed it why would you want it changed over to R134? It's fixed....
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