r12 vs. r134a

aggienate · August 5, 2003

my truck is running on R12 i would like it to run cooler (dont get me wrong it is nice but i like it really cold) so i was going to change it over to R134a but i was told that is does not work as well and it is harder on the compressor. please help me decide what would be best.

2k3TahoeZ · August 28, 2003

You can't just switch the refridgerants like that. You will need to get a new setup. The r143a doesn't cool as well as the r12 did. Federal regulations state that a cooling system only has to cool the cabin 30degrees less than the outside temp, so if you live in the desert like I do, that can be a pain. Stick with the r12 unless it is starting to fail.

MCourson · August 28, 2003

I know you can do a conversion without an all out replacement. Im not sure of everything that needs to be changed but I know the filter dryer and system oil will need to be different. It is not very expensive but I dont remember how much. We had it done on our old '82 Vette.

MCourson · August 28, 2003

Check out this website on conversion.

Click

mcali17 · August 29, 2003

r12 is a Chloroflourocarbon r134a is a Hydroflourocarbon. The r12, according to studies, when released into the atmosphere, which was a common practice until the early to mid '90s, creates holes in the Ozone layer. That is why the switch took place. The problem with the r12 is going to be price. As this gas is continuously phased out, its price is climbing. If your system is not leaking, then stick with the r12, however, what we have advised our customers, is that by Law, if you come in, and we check your AC, and it is found to be leaking, we have to remove the remove the remainder of the refridgerant, fix the leak and then can recharge. If you do not want to fix it, we have to evacuate the system before letting the vehicle back on the road. That is why we also recommend in a leaking r12 system, that depending on the cost, we go ahead and convert it to r134a at that time. Again, you have to decide how long you are keeping the vehicle etc. Gone are the days you can just by a can of r12 and just "top off" your AC.