Asphyxiator April 23, 2003 Share Asphyxiator Member April 23, 2003 After replacing my accumulator in my truck I realized that I could not do the installation of new freon because im not liscenced. The problem is that I need 3 pounds of R-12 to fill my system. However, I'm debating on switching the system to 134a. Here are the pros and cons i came up with. R134a Pros: Cheap and easy to find. Still manufactured. The new "Environmentally Friendly Standard" Cons: Not as strong (doesnt blow as cold). Smaller molecule so systems are more leak prone. R12 Pros: Strong and Cold. Doesnt leak as easily. Would save me money on not having to buy a compressor/condenser. Cons: No longer manufactured. VERY expensive ($40 a pound ). "Not environmentally friendly." Im wondering what you guys would do in this situation. The truth behind the R12 environment problem is a coverup so that the company that was producing it could renew their patent with a new type of freon . Would you spend the $40x3 = $120 plus a liscenced flush/charge, or would you purchase a new compressor/condensor for $500 and not have to worry about extremely expensive charging fees? Right now im leaning towards charging with R12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwEEziL April 23, 2003 Share dwEEziL Member April 23, 2003 Maybe you should check the specs on the inline for the rotary girder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Bean April 23, 2003 Share Mad Bean Member April 23, 2003 If you want to retro fit to the R-134a, you do not have to buy a new compressor. There are retro kit that allow you to convert from R-12 to R-134a. The kit contains new o-ring seals and the proper oil for the refrigerant. I'm a service manager for an auto shop. I'll be happy to answer any questions anybody has. check out this link Bean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asphyxiator April 23, 2003 Author Share Asphyxiator Member April 23, 2003 Ive heard that kills you compressor life though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asphyxiator April 23, 2003 Author Share Asphyxiator Member April 23, 2003 (edited) How much do these retro fit kits cost, and can i do it myself (granted someone qualified will have to clean and charge the system.)? Edited April 24, 2003 by Asphyxiator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Bean April 24, 2003 Share Mad Bean Member April 24, 2003 In that article it did state that it is harder on compressors that are made for R-12. How long do you plan on keeping your vehicle? It might be worth the investment for a new compressor if you plan on keeping it. R-12 cannot be produced anymore, but they still is a supply of it. But once it's all gone you'll be forced and the price of R-12 will just get steeper. I'll check on prices for the retrokits tomorrow. You will be able to do the retrokit, but you will need somebody certified to evac the system(create a vacuum) and fill it with new refrigerant. Bean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asphyxiator April 24, 2003 Author Share Asphyxiator Member April 24, 2003 thx a lot for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[VI]ROosTEr April 24, 2003 Share [VI]ROosTEr Member April 24, 2003 After replacing my accumulator in my truck I realized that I could not do the installation of new freon because im not liscenced. The problem is that I need 3 pounds of R-12 to fill my system. However, I'm debating on switching the system to 134a. Here are the pros and cons i came up with. R134a Pros: Cheap and easy to find. Still manufactured. The new "Environmentally Friendly Standard" Cons: Not as strong (doesnt blow as cold). Smaller molecule so systems are more leak prone. R12 Pros: Strong and Cold. Doesnt leak as easily. Would save me money on not having to buy a compressor/condenser. Cons: No longer manufactured. VERY expensive ($40 a pound ). "Not environmentally friendly." Im wondering what you guys would do in this situation. The truth behind the R12 environment problem is a coverup so that the company that was producing it could renew their patent with a new type of freon . Would you spend the $40x3 = $120 plus a liscenced flush/charge, or would you purchase a new compressor/condensor for $500 and not have to worry about extremely expensive charging fees? Right now im leaning towards charging with R12. Do you have any friends in the home heating/cooling business? I had a buddy that did that for a living and he would charge/check my system for free every summer (his company paid for the freon). I know I used the old freon, cuz I have never had a car made past '87. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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