Ok guys so if i have an R-12 system what do i have to do to use Freeze12??? Do i need a retrokit???

THanks
JERRY

 

How did you do that, Steve?

 

Hi Jerry,

I can tell you what I bought, with the proviso that I haven't used it yet: am still accumulating wisdom from this board



Cost about $40 on Ebay. Seems like a low-cost experiment before deciding whether I need to have the system professionally upgraded to R134a.

 

The first problem I've encountered is the double valve. The R12 low pressure coupling on the 964's compressor has a schrader valve insert in it. The R12-Freeze12 converter coupling also has a schrader valve in it. I'm missing a pin that, when attaching the converter, pushes the R12's valve pin inwards, so opening the valve. If this isn't pushed in, then I wont be able to get any coolant into the system.

My conclusion is that I need to remove the valve in the R12 fitting, before attaching the coupling. But, if I do that, then I'm worried that I'll open the system to the atmosphere.

Can anyone advise on this? Thanks!

 

I'll answer myself on this one On closer examination of the valves and couplers, it's apparent that the converter coupling's valve pin is pushed in by the coupler hose fitting, and it then pushes in the pin on the R12 adapter valve, so opening the passage. Ther coupler hose fitting has a small protrusion in its centre that pushes on the pin as the coupler is screwed and tightened on the adapter.

My problem was that this protrusion was not adjusted correctly: it wasn't pressing the pin in far enough to engage and push the R12 pin in. After adjusting it somewhat, I can hear gas escaping from the R12 valve when I screw in the coupling hose.

So tomorrow I am going to try a fill.

I like the idea of having two valves in series: makes a leak much less likely!

 

Status update: I added 1.5 cans of Freeze-12, and a can of oil. Ambient temperature is 24C (75F), temperature out of the main blower: 9C (48F).

Now I will watch it over the next couple of weeks.

 

Keep us updated man

JERRY

 

I was following this thread when I thought to check my service records only to discover that the PO of my car converted it to R-134.

 

Status update: about 6 weeks later and the A/C with Freeze 12 is still blowing nice and cold. So far, so good.

 

Excellent to hear that.

 

Mine still blowing cold from last year too. I replaced the receiver/dryer which I think was a big help. That and replacing all the valves are a must! There are easy to get to and are a quick change!

Julian... Glad to hear it's working well.

 

The PO converted my car to Freeze 12 and it no longer works. The valves in my conversion were neither R12 or R134. I'm going to convert to R134.

 

I had mine done my a mobile car air-con specialist who used R24, which is another drop in replacement for R12. He vacuumed the system to extract moisture and replaced broken valves. He also said that the important thing was to use the right oil for the refrigerant but I can't remember what he used. Anyway it was done over a year ago and is still blowing nice and cold, which I find incredible. All this work for 70GBP, which was a gamble that has paid off so far.

 

A couple of people have asked me how the Freeze 12 is holding up since I added it last July. Today was the first really hot day I've had an opportunity to test (although I make a point of regularly running the A/C even on cool days).

Ambient temp was about 95F. With maximum cool and blower on full, the A/C was running at 14C/57F ... not very impressive, but better than nothing!

I added another can of Freeze 12 and the temp dropped to 9C/48F, which felt very nice. Perhaps this will need to be done every year: I suspect that my system has a very slow leak in it somewhere.

 

i finally removed the compressor yesterday. I was going to get it all recharged, but i dont know what problems i am liable to encounter. I did notice a few months back the the fan up front was disconnected, the other day while fitting the suspension i realised that the fan is not actually turning, its totally stuck, i guess i could replace that, and hope everything else is ok.

It there a way i can pressurise the system with air just to check for leaks? i dont want to fork out on a new fan if its going to cost to much to fix...