I was under the impression to do a complete R-134 conversion you need to evaluate the R-12 and clean the system, replace the receiver-dryer, then recharge the system with R-134. If you are going to be rigorous, you also need to replace the A/C hoses with the new R-134 barrier hoses. (R-134 has smaller molecules and will leak out of the R-12 hoses more easilly over time.) The lubricants that are used in R-12 and R-134 are incompatible. If you system is not clear of R-12 lubricant, and you charge with R-134, you risk compressor damage. Here is a good link from the EPA that discusses R-134a retrofits. http://www.epa.gov/spdpublc/title6/609/technicians/retrguid.html Also, here is a link to a table that shows all the R-12 alternatives, and what their characteristics are and composition. http://www.epa.gov/spdpublc/snap/refrigerants/macssubs.html
Todd '88 Westy -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM> > It may be that they told you something you have not written here. It is > pretty difficult to snow somebody for two hundred dollars for just a > recharging. These are very common.So are the snow jobs,though. > > If it is a pure 134a retrofit,you can buy a can of 134a and a hose/gauge at > Advance auto for about $25.You can reuse the hose ,next time and the > recharge will only cost $11,then. > > Recharging is ez to do. The 134a hoses are quick release,so they wont scare > you to death attaching and removing them. 134a works at pressures 20% > higher than R12,so it will leakout that much faster.The hose will only > attach to the low side for charging.You cant make the mistake of attaching > to the high pressure side. > > The Advance auto hose dosent use numbers on the gauge. Only three > colors,instead.Charge the system up till the needle is in the green > area,and you have done all you can do as far as a recharging goes. > > Make sure you dont have a freeze 12 system,first.If your retro fit shop did > it right,they will put a sticker in the engine compartment that tells the > refrigerant used. > > Good luck,Roger |
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