A/C - Old Vs New

[hatflyer]

A mechanic is willing to put new freon into my R12 (old) system, without converting my older system. He said it probably won't be quite as cold, but it'll work. Is he right?

I have a '93 Ford Taurus, and I want to restore the A/C as cheaply as possible.

Thanks,

Jim

[jkembry]

I did this myself over a year ago and have not experience any difficulties. All of the old R12 had escaped before I began. I have not had any of the R-134a to leak yeat, so the sealant in the oil must be working. I have been told that the key is to have as much of the old stuff out before putting the new in -- although I can't really vouch for this.

Good luck.

- Jeff -

[Dan_in_WA]

The new refrigerant may not cool as well as the R-12 did. Depends on what kind of performance you need from the system.

But you said "cheaply", so yeah - go for it.

Where I live, in Eastern WA, when you need the A/C you need it BAD...
so I've done the full conversion route with the Ford kit. New condensor, the whole bit.

Good luck!

[HiFlow5 0]

I wouldn't pay someone to retro fit 134a into an old R12 system. Most of those smucks, charge way too much to do the same thing you can do. I have retro fit two of my own cars, and 4 of my friends cars with the 134a recharge kits available at any auto parts store. Actually Walmart had the kit the cheapest I think. Around $40 bucks, gets you everything needed to do the conversion yourself. Also a side note, 134a blows just as cold if not colder at times then the old R12. My car blows between 38*-40* at the vents, I think that's pretty good.