YACT: R12 to R134a conversion

[RU482]

I've got an 87 F-150 and the AC needs charged. Is it possible and if so, can the AC system be converted to R134a refrigerant? How much would it cost? I assume it's relatively expensive to get an R12 system charged, so I'm wondering if it would be cheaper to convert to R134a and charge with that.

Anyone know???

 

[Heisenberg]

You can buy conversion kits from the parts store for $30-50 IIRC for most vehicles. Dunno about the F-150 specifically.

 

[Eli]

Instead of converting it to R134a, get that stuff that was made to recharge R12 systems and use that.

I think you can use it with minimal changes needed.

Either that or use propane. 😉

 

[freebee]

How about living with the car the way it is?....charging or converting the system will cost more than the vehicle is actually worth. You might as well sell the one you have, and just buy another 87 with a working ac.

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: freebee
How about living with the car the way it is?....charging or converting the system will cost more than the vehicle is actually worth. You might as well sell the one you have, and just buy another 87 with a working ac.

My thought was, I would only have to replace some seals that I could do myself...I was hoping it would be ~ $20, plus another $10 or $20 for the R134a.

Buy an decent 4wd 87 F150 for less than $100... then I'll buy it from you 😉

Originally posted by: Thegonagle
Pet peeve alert!

I can't comment until you correct your grammar. (Hint: Something in your post "needs fixed." :| )

that's the best I can do without a vise on my testicles

 

[Thegonagle]

Pet peeve alert!

I can't comment until you correct your grammar. (Hint: Something in your post "needs fixed." :| )

 

[Heisenberg]

Just checked O'reilly's website. It looks like they have a retrofit and recharge kit on sale for $34.99. Should have everything you need to convert and charge the AC.

 

[thedarkwolf]

You have to be able to pull a vacuum on the system to do it right. I would just have a shop do it. I paid $200 to have my mustang converted and around $125 to have some r12 compatible crap probably freeze12 put into my van. Whatever is in the van works a lot better but that stuff is suppose to be a lot more dangerous.

 

[Mannkind]

I used a kit at walmart ($20) for my mustang, 2 years now, works GREAT, cost me 20 bucks, and about 10 minutes of work. Don't listen to these guys... r134a is compatible with r12, no need to vacuum 😉

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Mannkind
I used a kit at walmart ($20) for my mustang, 2 years now, works GREAT, cost me 20 bucks, and about 10 minutes of work. Don't listen to these guys... r134a is compatible with r12, no need to vacuum 😉

UH-huh:roll:

YEah, that $35 recharge kit will do you right. Do yourself a favor and actually change the expansion valve/orifice tube. That way it'll still be cold at idle.

 

[desertdweller]

I wouldn't worry about replacing any of the seals, unless they are leaking. You definately need to replace the reciever/dryer ($50).

Install the conversion kit. Its really just an updated set of valves that screw onto the original fittings and then you'll need to add the correct amount of oil to the compressor. Then recharge with R-134a.

R-134a will save you money as R-12 has gotten to be very expensive and you can't by it yourself anymore.

Oh, by the way, when you buy the refrigerant, keep in mind that the cans are only 3/4 of a pound. They're not a full pound like most people seem to think.

DD

 

[Mannkind]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Mannkind
I used a kit at walmart ($20) for my mustang, 2 years now, works GREAT, cost me 20 bucks, and about 10 minutes of work. Don't listen to these guys... r134a is compatible with r12, no need to vacuum 😉

UH-huh:roll:

YEah, that $35 recharge kit will do you right. Do yourself a favor and actually change the expansion valve/orifice tube. That way it'll still be cold at idle.

Oooh an icon, I'm scared.
My car, idle, pushes out 42F air, pretty darn cold, which is a lot better than hot/warm air, even if it's not as cold as it could be (I don't know how cold it really is suppose to get).