Aircon gas - R12 to R134 conversion?

[JohnnyUK]

Hi, long story short, but I thought it was an accepted fact that to do the above, pretty much all of the aircon components, seal etc have to be changed out?

However, I've just been speaking to a local mechanic, who said that is no longer the case and using the right gas, oil and adapters, it can be done pretty cheaply. I've booked in the car with him.

Thoughts on the above? Am I about to buy some Snake Oil?

Thanks!

john

Edited by JohnnyUK on Friday 16th September 16:51

[E-bmw]

Don't buy a DIY kit as they are basically top up kits if I am looking at the right thing.

Before filing it needs to be pressure/leak tested, just get in touch with your local air con centre & they should be able to help.

[JohnnyUK]

E-bmw said:

Don't buy a DIY kit as they are basically top up kits if I am looking at the right thing.

Before filing it needs to be pressure/leak tested, just get in touch with your local air con centre & they should be able to help.

Yes, I should have clarified, it's a local air con guy doing it - I just didn't think it was possible / or a good idea.....

Edit - spotted my very poor grammar in the first post - will edit that one too

[Lincsls1]

JohnnyUK said:

Hi, long story short, but I thought it was an accepted fact that to do the above, pretty much all of the aircon components, seal etc have to be changed out?

However, I've just been speaking to a local mechanic, who said that is no longer the case and using the right gas, oil and adapters, it can be done pretty cheaply. I've booked in the car with him.

Thoughts on the above? Am I about to buy some Snake Oil?

Thanks!

john

I had my 1993 300zx converted back in 2007, my mechanic certainly didn't change any seals or components. It worked perfectly for the few years I had the car.

[Jaz2000]

The molecules of R134a are smaller than R12 so the gas will leak out of the pipe walls over time, the filter drier should be replaced and the expansion valve will not work as well with the new gas.

Yes you can just regas with R134a and it will work but to do a proper job that will last for years will require lots of new parts. Most a/c “specialists” I have encountered just want an easy life squirting gas in.

[Phunk]

I had my 1991 Honda Beat done by a mobile specialist last year. Takes a little while, requires some sort of special oil to be added.

Been working perfectly ever since.

Find someone who advertises that they do this service, there’s LOADS of people that’ll just wack R134 in without adding the conversion oil in.

[LarJammer]

Jaz2000 said:

The molecules of R134a are smaller than R12 so the gas will leak out of the pipe walls over time,

This just isn't true. The issue with R134 leaking out is caused by the wrong AC oil being used, which eats into the seals. Any car that originally has R12 should use an ester oil, the modern oils are not compatible.