DIY R12 to R134a conversion
 

I wanted to hear from the DIYers on this project. If you did your own R12 to R134a refrigerant conversion, what all did you end up replacing? I'd imagine you'd need to replace the dryer, replace the O rings, compressor oil and flush the system with a flushing solution. Are you changing the condenser as well to a larger one?

On the other hand, if I have a local A/C shop do the work, what kind of a price should I be expecting? The shop will need to evac the old stuff, remove the old oil, change the dryer and then recharge the system with R134a.

Does Subaru offer a conversion kit containing a dryer, O rings, etc.?


Thanks for any input.

Regards,

Ali
'92

Not specific to the SVX, but I have heard of people just putting the 134 into the 12 systems without changing anything, and having no problems (can't say as I would do it, just that I have heard of it being done)

I've heard of people doing that too but it's not proper. You should at least change the oil. I believe the R134 will leak out much faster without the proper o-rings.

Ali - Here's several Endwrench articles on retrofitting the '92 SVX (and other Subaru models) from R12 to R134, including Subaru Kit part-numbers and instructions:
http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com/t...nt/acretro.pdf
http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com/t...vent/retro.pdf

This is an Endwrench article that discusses the R134 refrigerant in general:
http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com/t...f/vent/134.pdf

Finally, here's an article on all the Subaru A/C systems that will probably tell you more than you ever wanted to know.
http://www.ravensblade-impreza.com/t...f/vent/ac1.pdf

- Jim

A product called HOTSHOT is made as a non-cfc replacement for R12. I have talked to people who have used it without problems. I am going to use in on my recently purchased SVX once I get a tranny in it. Will report my findings then.

I've done it on my Audi
 

I bought the WalMart Interdynamics conversion kit.

Unfortunately to do it right you need a vacuum pump and gauges. Can you borrow some?

The pump allows you to pull a vacuum on the system. This will boil off any moisture in the system. Water boils at a much lower temp in a vacuum.

The gauges let you confirm that the system will hold the vacuum (no leaks).

I did not replace any hoses, o-rings etc. It still has adequate charge two years later.

You might get by w/o the pump and gauges. I opened the system to replace the condensor. Source of my lost R-122.

I meant to add that I had the conversion done by our local mechanic (who has done the conversion on other non-Subaru models.) He replaces the dryer and oil but no O-ring change. The cost was $230 and so far it's still putting out nice, cool air (he said with his fingers crossed.)
- Jim

Thanks fellas for the ideas. I'll review the endwrench article to get a flavor of what's up ahead. Chances are I may simply have it done by a pro but I like to know what is involved. I'm about to embark on replacing all seals up front so if the motivation is still there I might just start the conversion. But, I do need to have it evacuated by a shop to keep it environmental friendly. :D

I'll look into the conversion kit (92 svx kit p/n G31110PS000) cost and see if it's worth the effort. After evacuation, I can pretty much do everything except pulling a vacuum. I suppose I can rent a vacuum pump but we'll see!

Ali

After not being able to hold a charge I took my SVX to a dealer he suggested trying the conversion, I alread spent $100 on the hard to get expensive R12 and the charge was lasting a week. The dealer changed all the valves and recharged it , that was 4 years ago for $150.00 I just used it last Sat and it still puts out cool air. ( not as cool as the original #311 I could have made jello on the front pass seat with that one. ) Still cold enough.

I went to Subaruparts.com for prices to come up with some numbers for the "kit" that the Endwrench article mentions.

KIt G3110PS000
Receiver/drier - $106
Suction hose - $152
Discharge hose - $152
O rings, PAG oil, R134a retrofit label - neglible
----------------------------------------------
Total cost approx $410 :eek:

Being a cheap bastard that I am, I'll just purchase the Drier and see what the local A/C shop wants to gouge me for! :cool:

I put R134a into my 6 last spring with just changing the low pressure side (the high wouldn't fit right and leaked so I left it off) valve. Nothing else as I didn't have a clue if it even worked to begin with and didn't wanna spend the time. Worked just fine. Did have to add about a 1/4 can this year. Definately not as cool as the SVX set up with my 95 but much better than before.

I am going to check with my Subaru Dealer and ask what they did to mine. Hey you could call them and ask. Center Subaru Torrington, Conn. Tell them Mr Lucky the guy with the White SVX , told you to ask. Ask for Service. I know I didn't pay any $300.00

I called my local dealer to see how badly they can rape me. They don't have the retro kit in stock so I told him that I'll supply all parts. All they have to do is perform labor. This is going to be good ;)

Ali

I just did this on my 92 and only replaced the drier and the two associated O-rings. The drier was only about $35 from Advanced Auto and came with the O-rings. The retro kit was an Interdymanics with a pressure gauge and 3 cans of R134+Oil. The 92's only had 21-25oz of R12 to start with, so you only need to fill it with 17-20oz of R134. At first, I didn't bother with evacuating the system and it seemed to work, but was somewhat intermittent. The next day, I took it to a shop and paid them $70 to evacuate the system, then refilled with the left over cans of R134 from the kit. It seemed to be more effective, but I didn't get a chance to really test it out since I had to go on a trip shortly after. All told, I only spent $150 or so and will be happy even if it only lasts another couple of years.

Kuoh

bump from the cellar

I was wondering how people's systems are holding up.

I have to get the AC recharged in my wife's 92SVX and i was considering going with a r134a conversion. estimate to recharge right now is 50 bucks labor and $90.00 per pound of freon.

Thanks

BW