converting ac

94sierra16 · June 17, 2014

I have a 93 gmc sierra and wanted to know sence my truck uses freeze12 i wanted to switch to r134. What stuff would i need to convert mine to 134?

kstruckcountry · June 17, 2014

I believe you will need a new compressor. I think that's all but I could be wrong.

desrtrat · June 17, 2014

the expense of converting over to r34 is not worth it IMO..i would keep the r12 and be cold, then run r34 and sweet..

txab · June 17, 2014

Best to replace your condenser as well 134A works its best with a larger condenser. If the stuff you're using now works, stick with it

00Silverado4x4 · June 17, 2014

I have a 93 gmc sierra and wanted to know sence my truck uses freeze12 i wanted to switch to r134. What stuff would i need to convert mine to 134?

Just off the top of my head, you will need the new fittings for adding/removing refrigerant, new compressor, condensor, orifice tube. If I recall auto parts stores sell kits with all the seals that you need. I do agree that if your system is still working stay with it, but if it's not working then I'd convert. R12 is getting hard to come by and you need a license to buy it yourself.

00Silverado4x4 · June 17, 2014

the expense of converting over to r34 is not worth it IMO..i would keep the r12 and be cold, then run r34 and sweet..

I know you meant sweat but R134a is not that bad of a refriegerant. My truck easily blows 40*-45* air even on the hottest/humidest Georgia days.

txab · June 17, 2014

But to get those temps you need a condenser designed for 134a. The old R12 condensers will not transfer heat very well

00Silverado4x4 · June 17, 2014

Agreed. That's why I listed a new condenser as a must.

94sierra16 · June 18, 2014

Can i still by freeze12 which took the place of r12?

txab · June 18, 2014

Yes, you can, but it's getting as expensive as R-12 from what I've seen.

kstruckcountry · June 18, 2014

Yes, you can, but it's getting as expensive as R-12 from what I've seen.

That is why many people are converting.

txab · June 18, 2014

He needs to weigh the cost of swapping vs the value of the vehicle. If the cooling system is sound with no leaks, I'd stay with what he has now. If he needs to replace components to repair the system then switching to 134a is the way to go.

Btw OP, if you do switch to 134a with a new condenser you'll need new hoses as well. More than likely existing hoses will not fit due to location of inlet/outlet difference between condensers. You would also need new connectors on the ends of the hoses anyways

93gmc$$ · June 22, 2014

I converted my 93 to R-134a and regretted it. Unless you swap out all of the parts; the system will leak down every winter (the smaller size of the R-134 molecule allows it to bypass the seals and even leak thru the hoses.) And oh yeah, it never got cold enough.

Last year I had the system converted back to R-12. Just go to a licensed A/C shop. Have them do a service (flush, evacuate, leak check, etc.) and re-fill with R-12 and the correct amount of oil. You can't get R-12 at Walmart like the old days, but a licensed shop will be able to get it for as long as your old truck will be around. R-12 is pricey, but WAY less than the cost of converting.

Good Luck

Raredirt · August 10, 2014

R12 is a better refrigerant. Keep it if you can. The change to R134a was as political as the global warming scam. The hole in the ozone layer changes all the time. I was a factory tech trainer for Nissan when the change was dictated. The change over was quite a struggle. The bugs have been pretty well worked out for some time now, and systems designed for 134a work fine, but don't convert if you can avoid it.