
R12 to r134a conversion?
Moderators: FORDification, Thunderfoot
-
- New Member
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mon Sep 05, 2011 12:16 am
R12 to r134a conversion?
The a/c fan and everything works in my 69 f100, all it needs is refrigerant, but r12 is expensive and you need a license. Is there any way to convert it to r134a? What would I need? Any help!? 

1969 Ford f100 2WD, 360 V8, longbed, standard "4 on the floor" tranny, 130,000 original miles, no power steering.
-
- Blue Oval Fan
- Posts: 649
- Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:38 am
- Location: California, Sonora
Re: R12 to r134a conversion?
I did it to an early 90's Honda with a kit I bought at Autozone. It was very easy.
Doug
Doug
1967 f100 4x4
1970 f250 4x4
1970 f250 4x4
-
- Blue Oval Fan
- Posts: 628
- Joined: Tue Jul 20, 2004 2:52 am
- Location: Texas, Houston
- Contact:
Re: R12 to r134a conversion?
You can, but I'd keep it R12 myself. It will cool better.
The 134a will run a higher head pressure, and you usually have to
slightly undercharge to keep that in check.
I'm not a big fan of conversions.. But.. they can be done.
The license can be taken through the mail and is open book.
Piece of cake.. And yes, R12 can be pricy, but you can still get
it on flea bay. But being as it's low, you almost surely have a leak
of some sort. Could be fast, could be slow.. Hard to say without
charging it up and seeing how long it will last.
Most leaks are probably the compressor seals. Then hoses..
Then coils..
If you converted, at the very least I'd want to pull a vacuum
before recharging with 134a. And you need to consider oil
differences. R12 uses a mineral type oil. I think most 134a
systems use a PAG oil, or whatever.. They don't mix very well.
So to do it right, you would want to flush the system, and
probably even change the drier..
It's almost easier to just recharge with R12 when you
consider all the possible issues.. :/
But I guess it's easy for me to say, cuz I've got plenty of R12
laying around.. :|
I keep a nearly full 30 lb jug just for old cars or refrigerators.
It collects dust 98% of the time, but every once in a while I'll
need it. The last time I used it was on my old 89 Accord..
I kept it R12, and it would freeze you out of the car,
and no head pressure problems.
I've also got every EPA ticket known to man..
Universal+ the car can ticket.. I've also taken the test
for 410a even though it's not required..
The 134a will run a higher head pressure, and you usually have to
slightly undercharge to keep that in check.
I'm not a big fan of conversions.. But.. they can be done.
The license can be taken through the mail and is open book.
Piece of cake.. And yes, R12 can be pricy, but you can still get
it on flea bay. But being as it's low, you almost surely have a leak
of some sort. Could be fast, could be slow.. Hard to say without
charging it up and seeing how long it will last.
Most leaks are probably the compressor seals. Then hoses..
Then coils..
If you converted, at the very least I'd want to pull a vacuum
before recharging with 134a. And you need to consider oil
differences. R12 uses a mineral type oil. I think most 134a
systems use a PAG oil, or whatever.. They don't mix very well.
So to do it right, you would want to flush the system, and
probably even change the drier..
It's almost easier to just recharge with R12 when you
consider all the possible issues.. :/
But I guess it's easy for me to say, cuz I've got plenty of R12
laying around.. :|
I keep a nearly full 30 lb jug just for old cars or refrigerators.
It collects dust 98% of the time, but every once in a while I'll
need it. The last time I used it was on my old 89 Accord..
I kept it R12, and it would freeze you out of the car,
and no head pressure problems.
I've also got every EPA ticket known to man..
Universal+ the car can ticket.. I've also taken the test
for 410a even though it's not required..
1968 F-250 / 300 six / T-18
Dana 60 - 4.10 Limited Slip
Dana 60 - 4.10 Limited Slip