R-12 or R-134?

[canbritsvx]

I have a 92 LsL with warm ac, i plan to add gas to see if fixes , and make the ac ice cold. 1992 seemed to be a year when they switched from r-12 gas to r-134, i cannot find any idication of which gas i have, is there an easy tell sign?
Thanks
Clive

[ZMan]

Easy. - R12 is a screw on fitting and R134 is a quick connect.

[SuberNatural]

r12 is super expensive and very hard to find. Just but the fittings and convert over to 134a. You should also have it evacuated and recharged

[NiftySVX]

They switched in 1993. All 92s have 12 unless they've been retro-hacked

[canbritsvx]

Thanks all.

[NiftySVX]

I say this over and over on here.

R-12 is neither expensive or hard to find. It is slightly less than twice the price of 134a and is readily available to those who are licensed to deal with it. At my shop we have both and 134a is 16/lb and r-12 is a bit under 30. Retrofitting is not a correct repair, as the compressor, evaporator, condensor, expansion valve, lines, o rings, control unit, and evaporator are different in the two systems (that's the long way of saying every part is different). The oil carried by 134a is not compatible and mixes with the old oil in the system and turns to a sludgy, acidic mess that attacks rubber seals and lines.


Option 1 $80
Retrofit kits are usually 49.95, so 49.95 + 30 for refrigerant is about $80. This is how much it will cost you to put the wrong refrigerant in your car that carries a oil that destroys o rings and hoses for cfc 12 and eats the dessicant dryer as well. This is the option chosen by those who don't know any better or customers of shops that choose not to certify themselves.

Option 2 $60

Charge with 2 lbs R 12
2 lbs of r-12= a bit under $60

Option 3: many thousands of dollars

Properly convert the system by replacing the components listed.

I pick the cheapest option, which also is the correct way to repair the car.

[stiguy]

where in the world do you get your r-12 from here its $90 a pound!!!!