R-12 to R-134a?

[SuperC10Tex]

Need help; I have a dealer installed GM A/C unit (pic below). I have pulled the unit, I am going through it and lubing and cleaning it. I am about to reinstall.....I want to go from R-12 to R-134a. I see "retro-fit kits" for sale. My question is if I replace with new O-rings, Ester oil, service ports adaptors, and a new receiver/drier....I am good to go??? Also, the "service ports" are located where? Any help would be deeply appreciated!

[steelhorse]

It will work but if your condenser is the OE style it may not cool to well. If you replace your condenser with one made for R134 it will work much better.

[Lattimer]

I had an 80's Oldsmobile that I converted from R-12 to R-134. After the conversion the ac sucked really bad. It cooled, but it was about 50% as good as it was before that.

I had the conversion done by my father, he was an auto AC professional. I recall changing out the o-rings, putting in new oil, and changing a valve on the compressor.

[motorcritter]

The later-style condensor will do quite a but to improve performance w/ R134a. I'd flush that evaporator out and pay close attention to pressures when recharging. The ports should be on your hoses/pipes. If not, have some built for it, custom fit.
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[MARKDTN]

Why are you changing? I'd stay R12

[tlcrz1972]

Step one: Newer style condensor a must (no way around it)

Second step: get away from the POA style system, upgrade to a orfice/accumulator type setup.

Third step get rid of the big ole power robbing A6 compressor go to the short pancake type compressor or a sandin type.

If you do the first two and not the last it will only sort-of cool for you. I've tried it several ways with the A6 and once I finally changed to the small compressor it works great.

[SuperC10Tex]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

Why are you changing? I'd stay R12

I have been looking at "Red Tek 12a", says it will go right into existing R-12 systems. If that is so, I will just change out old O-rings with new ones why I have it apart. anybody know about this "12a"??

[Bigdav160]

Red Tek 12a is a hydrocarbon (from their MSDS)

From the boiling point I'd say it might be propane.

[RichardJ]

Originally Posted by SuperC10Tex

I would never take the time and effort for that underdash unit. One of the aftermarket units would be a much better solution. You'll have a lot more money in it, but it will be worth a lot more in every aspect.

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by SuperC10Tex

I have been looking at "Red Tek 12a", says it will go right into existing R-12 systems. If that is so, I will just change out old O-rings with new ones why I have it apart. anybody know about this "12a"??

Whatever you do either stay R12 or convert to R134. All the others are either 1) Hydrocarbons like Butane or Propane or 2) blends that have some giant molecules and some tiny ones. (Think ping-pong balls and BBs. When the BBs escape the system is not balanced and you have to blow the whole charge to balance it again)

[SuperC10Tex]

Originally Posted by RichardJ

I would never take the time and effort for that underdash unit. One of the aftermarket units would be a much better solution. You'll have a lot more money in it, but it will be worth a lot more in every aspect.

I see where you are coming from.....but this is a GM made unit, not a aftermarket one. It was installed by the dealership and looks to be a solid unit worth the effort!

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

Whatever you do either stay R12 or convert to R134. All the others are either 1) Hydrocarbons like Butane or Propane or 2) blends that have some giant molecules and some tiny ones. (Think ping-pong balls and BBs. When the BBs escape the system is not balanced and you have to blow the whole charge to balance it again)

I agree, after reading alot more....I am going to replace all old O-rings before I button it up. I have located a couple of cans of r12 for purchase, I will take it to a local shop and have them vacum/purge the sytem, check for leaks.....then I will have them Pro's install the r12. Thanks for the feedback Guys!!!