greenjt

i suspect my R12 is in need of a recharge so I am converting my AC to 134. My new receiver dryer came in this past week but does not appear to have a window to check the freon.

Am i incorrect in thinking the receiver/dryer is where the window is to check the level of refridgerant? I haven't pulled the wheel well cover yet to look at the old one as i wanted to wait until the new part came in. I planned on pulling it this afternoon but i don't want to take things apart and find i need to send the part back.

Thoughts?

jg

Smokin

Why are you converting? Just use freeze 12 refrigerant to recharge. I've been asking a few locals about converting my system... They said it wasn't worth it.

gfunk

I replaced my receiver drier last year and I don't recall the replacement having a window. With R134 they use the hi and lo side pressure to determine how much refrigerant to add. No need for a window as far as I can see.

Greg
89C4

greenjt

Smokin - So after searching the web, is appears that all i need is to buy a Freeze12 install kit? Do i need to evacuate the system at all? Do they sell this stuff at regular parts stores like Advance etc or do i have to order it on the web?

gfunk - I thought i read in previous posts that there was a window somwhere on the top that might not be obvious and may need cleaning. Watcha mean when you say hi and lo side pressure? (total A/C newbie here)

greenjt

and another question...

I "think" my A/C system is working but assume i am out of coolant. I suppose i could be out of coolant because i have a leak. Can i take it to anybody who does A/C work to check for leaks or do i need to take it to a Porsche specialist? Or is there an easy way for me to DIY a leak test?

jimq

The airconditioner system is not a Porsche system as such. Parts are same as most cars except probably the CCU. Any air tech should be able to work on it as far as leak check and refill and replacement of most parts. Mine has been converted 3 years ago and I put a can of 134 in this weekend myself. Works good again.

MDH

I'm pretty sure Freeze 12 is R12 compatable - you just add it without evacuating the system. I've been using it for about 4 years now. I have a very slow leak and every year add about 1 can of Freeze 12. It stays for about 6-8 months. Probably not the optimum solution (I should fix that leak!), but it works.

I heard recently that the cost of 134 really went up.

gfunk

When I converted to R134 I just took it to a local Air Conditioning specialist and they replaced the fittings on the inlet (lo pressure) and outlet (hi pressure) side of the compressor, evacuated the old freon and oil and replaced with R134 and different oil. They also ensured that the system would hold a vacuum for 30 min. Cost was about $200.

Wachuko

What he said plus...

You should replace the dryer... not really that much of an additional cost. The dryer is located under the front left fender, closer to the door... need to remove the wheel and the plastic black liner to get to it. Easy to replace. Plus you will need new O-rings

http://www.vertexauto.com sells a kit with all you need to convert. Or you can also get it from http://www.griffiths.com/

springer3

There was a long thread about a year ago about the alternatives to R12. It got contentious, and I don't want to start that up again. The EPA website has some authoritive (no commercial bias) information on R12 alternatives. Freeze 12 is 80% R134a IRRC. Mixtures have disadvangages, so going 100% R134a is probably the way to go. That is what every car maker in the world decided to do, and I don't think all of them are fools.

greenjt

So after waffling on what to do, i think i have decided to go with my initial plan and convert to 134. Since i want to have my system checked for leaks anyway and i think i am out of R12, i am going to replace the receiver/dryer and swap the fittings myself. I will then take it to an A/C shop to test to see if it holds pressure and if so, fill it up with 134.

I didn't see any DIY write ups on the conversion so i will take some pics along the way and post it with my results.

jg

jimq

The conversion probably wouldnt cost much more then just the cost of R12 theses days.

greenjt

I ordered the Receiver/Dryer for somthing like $36. The 134 fittings should end up costing about nothing. So add on the professional pressure/vacuum test, the oil, and the freon, all-in should be pretty darn cheap.

Now, about finding the time.... maybe this weekend.

jg

BaysideC4

Freeze 12 is amazing stuff, I converted three years ago. My car blows ice cold air when it's 100 degrees out. I have a very very slow leak and I add one $5 can per summer (to top off) and it lasts all year.

Smokin

I think the window to see the freon has gone the way of the Gremlin and Pacer. Personally I'd just go with the Freeze 12... That way you only need a charge. You could use the dryer in that system too... After 14-15 years they should probably be replaced anyway. (Especially considering their cost.) You may want to research this a little more before just putting the R134 in your system. I believe that the two different types take two different types of lubricant charge. Doing it that way may be paving the way toward buying more expensive pieces in the future.

I do love the R134 in my Murano... It freezes me out and I need to keep it turned down. But it was built for R134. As I recall the auto manufacturers were pretty much forced to switch to R134. Freeze 12 came about later to help the people who didn't want to incur the expense of converting to the more expensive (and some say less effective) R134.

James... You're going to get a lot of differing opinions on this. Just research it carefully and have a well trained wrench take care of you. Please post back what happens and if you are happy with how everything turned out.