how do I convert to R134a ?
 

My AC doens't cool anymore, I think its time for a convertion. Is this something I could do myself?

Run a search on the forum and see what you can come up with. There should be alot of threads about it already out there.

You actually need a license to recover any remaining refrigerant from your system. If you’re A/C doesn't cool anymore, your best bet is to have a mechanic check the system for leaks before you convert it. This way you won't waist money charging the system twice.

Right Way
 

Besides the licensing and recovering issue, there are other things that should be done to do it right. The O' rings should be replaced with 134 compatible rings, the dryer should be replaced, the entire system flushed and different (134) fittings installed.

Lee

Depends how handy you are. There are many methods of converting, here are the main ones.

Freeze-12 http://www.freeze12.com/ claims to be compatible with R-12 based systems with no need for conversion. I don't know anyone who has used it so I can't tell you if it really works or not.

Use an off the shelf conversion kit. These generally have some fittings, a hose and a can or 2 of R-134a. They are low performance and will destroy your AC system, but they will give you cool air right now and at a cheap price.

drain & convert. This requires draining and flushing out your existing AC system. You have to remove the compressor and let the oil drain out of it for a few days, replace the dryer, all the O-rings and flush the lines, condensor and evaporator. Then you can install R-134a and adapters, add the proper oil and have a useful life out of the system. Downside is it is expensive and time consuming. Plus you have to have a shop drain the remaining R-12 out of your system before you can begin.

Which way you choose is up to you.

Doug

134a
 

what year do you have? I have the bullitan.

Ac
 

I converted mind with Envir -Safe Industrial 12 A and it is the same has the 12 a that is in our system except you have to just change the fittings with the kit to the 134a one's. it works better then before
www.Autore frigerants.com. around 50 bucks for all. no need to recycle just add to it,it has the leak charge to check for leaks, if you do have leaks then yes you got to have it recyle and vacuum out,to have one converted to the 134a around 300.00 bucks,All i had was a oil ring leak next to the firewall,25Cent all and all i put out 75.00 for the whole thing and did not change any placement parts.go to the web site and it is all there to read
Art

My mechanic charged me $150. He checked for leaks, changed the o-rings and replaced some parts I bought and charged the system with R134A. He is located in Northern NJ. Email me if you want his location or number.

I talked to the dealer briefly about what they do. He said they just vacuum and recharge with 134. I thought it sounded shady so I'm going to go without until I can find someone who knows exactly what they are doing. He said it was safe but they are the same people who did my alternator. #1- they forgot to tighten the tensioner, this caused the pulley to dig into the bracket. #2- they didnt secure the belt cover, this caused the belt to chew through the cover.

:eek: :eek: :eek:
Run, run away!!!

When did some dealers become hack shops??

I have a 1992 please send me the bulletin

Where are the O rings located?

I dont have a scanner so here goes the parts and part numbers

reciver drier - 73031pa100
suction hose - 73050pa200
discharge hose - 73050pa060
retrofit lable - soa635054
o- rings - 73039aa300

I also have a different part number for the whole kit but I think it was NLA that number is g3110ps000

charge the system with 1.87 pounds of 134a

It also says to remove all of the old r12 oil and add 200 cc of 134a oil.

hope this helps:)

I converted my XT 4 years ago. Just put 134 in it. No cleaning, evacuating etc. Haven't had an issue with it. Have to refill it annually as it leaks out of the low pressure valve and of course with the new fitting on there with lock crap on it there isn't anyway to get it off so since it only costs about $20 a year to fill it until something else goes with the system I'll live with it. Cools fairly nice too but definately not as cool as 12.

There are about 13 o-rings to replace.
There is oil in all the components that should be replaced (condenser, compresser, evaporator, etc) however I only replaced the oil in the compresser.
It's best to get the system vacuumed before charging with R134 to remove all moisture and tested for leaks.