Is it really possible to convert your car’s AC R12 system to R134a? Yes, it’s possible, and you’ll get to know how to convert it. It’s likely that the air conditioning system in the car you drive presently still uses R12 if it was manufactured before 1994.
which means that the cars built after 1994 use R134a refrigerant. R134a must be used as a replacement for this refrigerant because it was identified as being environmentally hazardous.
Well, in this article, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the definition, differences, pros and cons, calculation, and how to convert your car’s AC R12 system to R134a. You’ll also know the frequently asked questions about converting the car’s AC R12 system to R134a.
Contents
What is the AC R12 system?
The AC R12 system is a common type of refrigerant used in air conditioners. We mentioned that cars that were built before 1994 use R12 refrigerant. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are harmful to the ozone layer, make up R12. Due to this, the Montreal Protocol banned the production and use of R12 in 1987, but it took several years for the ban to be fully implemented.
What is the R134a system?
In many cooling and air conditioning applications, R134a refrigerant is commonly utilized. It was initially introduced to replace R12 in automobile air conditioning systems. In coolers, it has also been used to replace the refrigerants R12 and R500. In both commercial and residential settings, it is utilized as a medium-temperature system.
Differences between the AC R12 and R134a systems
R134a’s molecules are smaller in size than those of R12, thus there was concern that it could leak through the hoses and flare fittings used in R12 systems. Compressor seals may leak in R134a systems because they run at higher discharge-side pressures than R12 systems.
The absence of CFCs in R134a makes it a lot different from R12 in comparison. Due to the fact that R134a is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), it does not harm the ozone layer. HFCs still act as greenhouse gases and promote climate change.
The fact that R134a systems use less refrigerant than R12 systems is another major difference. This is due to R134a’s better cooling performance compared to R12.
Pros and cons of converting to R-134a
There are lots of advantages you’ll get from converting to the R134a system. The R134a refrigerant is safer to use based on the fact that the R12 refrigerant contains chlorofluorocarbons, which are harmful to the environment. The R134a is also available for purchase, while the R12 is no longer available due to the fact that it has been banned for its harmful effects.
However, a major disadvantage of converting to R134a is the cost of the conversion. Depending on the tools used and the price of the refrigerant at the time, converting can cost anywhere between $100 and $300.
An unprofessional job could result in mistakes like overcharging the air conditioner, letting refrigerant escape, or causing a gas leak. To avoid these problems, however, you need to take your car to a professional, who might charge you at least $1,000.
How to calculate how much R134a is needed
Compared to R12, R134a refrigerant is lighter. You must charge the new system to between 75 and 85% of its factory-set capacity to ensure proper cooling. Using the specs for the current system, multiply the R12 charge by 0.9 or 90% to determine the refrigerant capacity.
From this number, subtract 1/4, or 0.25 pounds. R134a won’t provide the same level of cooling as R12, though. You might find that the system doesn’t get as cool even after properly charging it. R134a is still far more resistant to under- and overcharging.
How to Convert Your Car’s R12 System to R134a
There are specific conversion kits available that include all the required parts for the conversion for many different car models. Pressure switches need to be replaced on some models as well.
A proper conversion also requires the replacement of all the O-rings, a new accumulator, a new filter, and other components. If your car is old, however, it probably isn’t worth doing all of this since it will cost you more than $1500 and $2000.
On the other hand, it is not a long-lasting solution to simply change the fittings and add the right amount of R134a, even though this will work well on most older car models.
However, here are 3 detailed steps to take when converting from the R12 system to the R134a system:
Completely discard the R12 from the system
Connect the vacuum pump to the AC system’s low-pressure side. This is usually found near the evaporator. Pump out the R12 refrigerant that is currently in the system before you do anything else because it needs to be disposed of properly.
To collect the R12 refrigerant, connect the empty canister to the pump. Start the vacuum pump by opening the valve. To completely discard R12 from the system, run the vacuum pump for about 50 minutes to an hour. The vacuum pump should be turned off and disconnected from the AC system when all of the R12 has been taken out.
Install an R134a adapter kit
Find the low-pressure side service port for the AC system. It is to this that the adapter kit will be attached. Clean any debris from the threads after removing the cap from the service port. The R134a adapter should be connected to the service port and snugged up.
Recharge the system with the right amount of R-134a.
The next step on how to convert AC R12 to R134a is to recharge the system with the R134a after installing the recharge kit. To attach to the R134a can, use the yellow hose. There ought to be oil in this refrigerant already. If not, you’ll need to add that on your own. The can’s top valve should be turned. Start the car’s engine and turn on the air conditioner to its maximum setting. To gauge the temperatures blowing out, you can insert a thermometer into the vent.
You should open up the system so that the refrigerant may be drawn from the can while the blue hose is attached to the low-side port. The proper capacity, which is less than what was required with R12, can be reached by adding R134a until you reach it.
Here is a video to give you more insight on how to convert your car’s AC R12 system to R134a:
Frequently asked questions about converting the car’s AC R12 system to R134a
Can you put R134a in a R12 AC system?
An R12 system must be changed or retrofitted to be able to utilize R134a, and all R12 must be correctly discarded and collected before charging with R134a in order to use R134a refrigerant in an R12 system legally.
What happens if you put 134A in an R12 system?
134A will likely leak out. The R12 desiccant, oils, seals, and orings are also incompatible with R134A. However, certain oils enable the components to mix with each other.
Can you fill a R12 compressor with R134a?
You simply need to make a few minor system changes to convert R12 to R134a in your system. Fortunately, the compressor used in your earlier R12 system will still function with R134a refrigerant and be just as effective.
Are R12 and 134a fittings the same?
Left: threaded fittings for R12; right: quick-disconnect fittings for R134a (right). There are many reasons not to make this change, though, especially if you want to go the extra mile in keeping your car’s authenticity and worth (and you have extra money to invest). Recognize that R12 offers benefits.
What can you replace R12 with?
R134a, R401a, and R401b are the three replacement refrigerants available for R12 systems. Manufacturers and supporters of the Montreal Protocols agree that R134a is the best alternative refrigerant.
When retrofitting an AC system from R12 to R134a, what oil should be recommended?
PAG oil should be used if you don’t flush, and ester oil should be used if you do. These are the two directions that are advised and put to the test. Alternatively, you could use ester oil with R12 right away and switch to R134a later.
Which is better, R12 or R134a?
R12 potentially harms the ozone layer because it contains CFCs, just like old-fashioned hairspray did. Because of this possible damage to the environment, it was banned and substituted by 134a, which uses synthetic oil rather than mineral oil and has less of an adverse effect on the environment than R12.
Can I still buy R12 refrigerant?
Nearly 35 years after the Montreal Protocol was actually signed, existing R12 refrigerant can still be purchased, marketed, and used, subject to EPA regulations.
Is R12 illegal?
Due to the harm it did to the ozone layer, R-12 Freon was banned. The R12 refrigerant might be illegal depending on the place you live in. When vented or leaked, the chlorine included in CFC refrigerants like R-12 would not decompose in the atmosphere.
What happens if you don’t vacuum the AC line?
Because air, which is 78% nitrogen, cannot condense in automobiles, you will reduce the refrigerant’s capability to transfer heat if you do not evacuate the system to remove air and moisture. Moisture in an air conditioner simply promotes corrosion and other issues.
What is the new replacement for R-134a?
Refrigerant R-1234yf
Currently, the preferred R134a replacement for the majority of auto manufacturers is the hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant R-1234yf.
That is all for this article, where we discussed the definition, differences, pros and cons, calculation, and how to convert your car’s AC R12 system to R134a. We also looked at frequently asked questions about converting the car’s AC R12 system to R134a.
Related Article:
- 4 signs that your car’s air conditioner needs freon
- 9 possible reasons why your car AC is not blowing cold air
- Understanding Cooling System Hoses
I hope you learn a lot from the reading. If you do, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading; see you around!
