refrigerant replacement

[coatsworth]

I was wondering if anyone knows or has any idea if you can 'drop in' 134-a or if there is a drop in refrigerant type to replace the old r-12, would I need to replace my compressor?, oil?, metering device?, do they sell a change-over kit?, or can I get the parts at a pick-n-pull off of the 134-a models?

[Mike D]

Stick with the R-12. They sell it again. R-134 is ok but you need to replace your dryer, most likely the compressor oil, numerous O-rings, compressor fill fittings, probably the compressor and have the system evacuated and vacuumed down for testing. Ain't really worth it for the supposed ecological benefits.

[Matt L]

They do sell change-over kits at the auto-parts house franchisees (such as Auto Zone, Pep Boys, etc). People in the industry call these "death kits" because that's what will likely happen to your system if you use one. Don't let one get near your car.

Also, don't EVER put sealer in the system. That stuff is also sold widely, and is also junk.

I concur with Mike. Stick with R12. If you want R134a so you can more easily service it yourself, just get the license. It's open-book and costs about $15 online.

[coatsworth]

Well, I found my answer thank you, but actually R12 was banned from production and is no longer allowed to be manufactured in N. America due to the montreal protocol, but you can still use it with remaining reserves which is dwindling and the price is extremely high because of the demand over supply, however they do have drop-in replacements, as I found out, which will work all the same.

[Matt L]

The price isn't extremely high and there are no "drop-in replacements" which are legal for replacing R12.

[coatsworth]

where do you get it? I checked online real quick the cheapest i saw was $30 for a 12oz. can which is only 3/4 of a lb. of course, and they sell them in cases of 12 for a slight discount of about $340-$350. that seems pretty pricey to me, but if you know where i could get them cheaper let me know.

[Matt L]

Call major auto-parts houses in your area and ask for the price in 30lb cans. They do sell this stuff, but you must possess the license.

[stangar2]

Originally Posted by coatsworth

I was wondering if anyone knows or has any idea if you can 'drop in' 134-a or if there is a drop in refrigerant type to replace the old r-12, would I need to replace my compressor?, oil?, metering device?, do they sell a change-over kit?, or can I get the parts at a pick-n-pull off of the 134-a models?

R12 is available from auto parts stores IE Autozone etc, in Mexico for about $6 a can. USA visitors can bring it with them. Calif resident