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how to convert a 1986 v.w. golf from r-12 to r134a

by Tyree Stoltenberg Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

R12 to R134a Charge Conversion Formula (pounds only) Take the R12 charge specification and multiply it by 0.9. Then, subtract that result by 0.25 pounds to get the proper amount of R134a charge. What replaces R12 refrigerant? There are three replacement refrigerant options for R12 systems: R134a, R401a, R401b.

Full Answer

How do I convert my air conditioning to R134a gas?

There are two ways to convert the air conditioning of your vehicle to the R134A gas. One is the factory method, where you would need to replace the AC parts, and the other is to modify the existing components to use R134A.

How do you retrofit a R12 to a R134a?

1) R134a retrofit kit with R-134a port adapters, oi, port caps and retrofit label 1) Discharge the R12 and recover the R12 for recycling. 4) Attach high and low port adapters. 5) Attach vacuum pump and manifold gauge set and pull a vacuum for 45-minutes minimum.

Does a/C blow colder after converting from R12 to R134a?

For the people who claim that their A/C “blows colder” after converting from R12 to R134a, this was only because their R12 system was malfunctioning or had a leak, so of course the new system will appear to “blow colder” after an overhaul.

How do you hook up a R134a to a T valve?

Screw the T-valve to a can of R-134a, start the engine and turn the A/C to its highest setting. Connect the T-valve hose to the low side service port. Open the valve and let the system draw refrigerant out of the can, monitoring the temperature with a thermometer in the center vent.

How do I change from R12 to R134a?

3:5312:07How to Convert Your Car's A/C System from R12 to R134a - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn an orifice tube system like the one in my truck. The low side service port is located on theMoreIn an orifice tube system like the one in my truck. The low side service port is located on the accumulator. As you can see the adapter does not match the port since the system currently uses r12.

Can you replace R12 with R134a?

R134a uses different ports to charge the system and to measure pressures so the old R12 ports need to be removed and replaced or retrofitted with adapters. Once you've got all the new equipment in place it's time to evacuate your system to draw a vacuum and also to remove any old refrigerant and old oil.

Can you top off R12 with R134a?

No. Federal law prohibits topping off an R12 system with a different refrigerant. Your options are to locate some R12, however you must be certified to purchase, and add it with an R-12 recharge hose.

Can you mix R12 with r134?

Mixing R12 and R-134a refrigerants is illegal, and even if you previously bleed out the R12, the system has to be adjusted to use R-134a, or it will cause leaks, copper corrosion, and lack the lubrication required for optimal operation.

How much does it cost to convert from R12 to R134a?

If you have a professional convert the R12 to R134a, you may spend about $250 for the entire service. However, this is much more cost-effective than replacing the entire air conditioning system. If you were thinking about getting an R134a system installed, your cost would be around $2,000 to $4,000.

Are R12 and r134 fittings different?

R12 has threaded fittings (left) and R134a uses quick disconnect fittings (right).

What will happens if you put R134a in a R12 system?

R134a systems work at higher discharge-side pressures than R12 systems, which could lead to compressor seals leaks. Additionally, since R134a is composed of much smaller molecules, it has a greater chance of leaking from an R12 system.

Is R12 Freon still available?

It is illegal to manufacture new R12, but it is not illegal to sell or use R12. And many of the cylinders and cans of Freon R-12 sold for decades throughout the United States are still around.

What is a drop in replacement for R12?

RS-24 is a “Drop-in” alternative for R12 which also provides a long term solution at the same time. It provides, therefore, a one change solution to the replacement of R12 at minimal expense.

Is Freon 12 the same as R12?

Refrigerant R12 or Freon 12 is said to be the most widely used of all the refrigerants being used for different applications. The chemical name of refrigerant R12 is dichlorodifluoromethane and its chemical formula is CCl2F2.

What is the difference between R134a and 12a?

HC-12a provides better cooling than an R-12 system retrofitted to R-134a, with much greater energy efficiency as well. Unlike R-134a, HC-12a is completely compatible with the hoses and oils used in R-12 systems, making the conversion much easier to accomplish. HC-12a is also patent-free due to its non-synthetic nature.

What happens if you put the wrong refrigerant in your car?

You cannot mix refrigerant types, and putting the wrong refrigerant in your car will cause damage to the air conditioning system! If you're not sure which kind of refrigerant your vehicle takes, DIY A/C charging may not be for you.

Who invented R-12 refrigerant?

What was needed was something that was neither and was safe to handle, and in the early 30s GM's chief engineer Charles Kettering developed dichlorodifluoromethane, also known as R-12. At the time, Frigidaire was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM, and Kettering's team also took the lead on developing R-12 refrigerant.

What refrigerant was used in the 60s?

By the '60s and '70s, automotive air conditioning was quickly going from being a luxury to a must-have option, especially on many full-size and luxury cars. R-12 was the standard refrigerant for automotive A/C systems for many, many years. It was good for its designed purpose; R-12 was a very effective refrigerant and was even used as ...

How does refrigerant turn into liquid?

In other words, refrigerant runs through a compression cycle until it's turned into a liquid, and then is routed to an evaporator where it returns to gas again and provides cooling. If you've got a pre-1995 vehicle, here's an overview ...

How to clean a R12?

1) Discharge the R12 and recover the R12 for recycling. 2) Add recommended amount of PAG or Ester oil. 3) Swap out the high and low pressure switches. 4) Attach high and low port adapters. 5) Attach vacuum pump and manifold gauge set and pull a vacuum for 45-minutes minimum.

What is R134A?

R134a raises discharge pressure, so it increases compressor work load. Some older compressors can’t handle the increased load. If your vehicle has a Harrison DA6 replace with an HD-6, HR-6, or HR-6HE. If your vehicle has a Ford FX-15 compressor, replace with an FS-10 compressor.

How to convert R12 to R134A?

How to convert your auto R12 system to R134a. There are two ways to convert your car’s old R12 system to R134a: The factory method and the easy method. The factory method is the best choice because you’ll replace parts that are probably leaking due to age. Plus, you’ll get the best AC performance using the factory method.

How to remove mineral oil from a compressor?

2) Flush evaporator and condenser with AC flush kit to remove mineral oil. 3) Flush AC high pressure and suction lines to remove mineral oil. 4) Empty oil from compressor. 5) Add specified Ester or PAG oil in the proper viscosity to the compressor, condenser and evaporator.

Does R134A cool down?

R134a doesn’t cool as efficiently as R12, so even when properly charged your system won’t cool as well. Plus, R134a has a lower tolerance for over/under charging. In fact, you’ll DECREASE AC performance by adding too much R134a refrigerant. That’s just the opposite of R12.

Is R134A lighter than R12?

Since R134a is LIGHTER than R12, you must convert the charge weight to get the proper charge during your retrofit. Fill the system with 75 to 85% of the factory specified capacity to achieve the best cooling. Use this formula or the chart below.

What is R12 refrigerant?

R-12 "Freon". Until 1995, most cars with air conditioning used R-12 Freon refrigerant which has shown to have an environmental impact . R-12 is no longer used or produced in many countries and remaining quantities have skyrocketed in price. Since then, the industry standard has been R134a, which is an efficient replacement.

Where is the hot gas valve located?

The Hot Gas Valve is most often found mounted to the compressor, though some cars have it mounted back near the evaporator. These are mounted to the suction side of the system, so they it is a valve that regulated pressure through suction.

Can a R12 be converted to 134A?

Contrary to popular belief, most cars originally equipped with R-12 can be converted to 134a and still keep you just as cool.

R12 to R134a

With the phase-out of R12 (1st January 1996) many compromises have to retrofit to R134a. No direct “drop-in” replacement is available, even alternatives such as ternary blends require the replacement of components such as “O” rings on some systems, filter dryers or accumulators.

System lubrication

Majority of automotive manufacturers recommending PAG (Poly Alkaline Glycol) oil as the only oil replacement when retrofitting R12 automotive A/C systems to operate on R134a refrigerant. Ariazone also recommends POA oil which is fully synthetic oil and suitable for all compressors + refrigerant R12 and R134a.

Cost

The cost will be a very important issue if an R134a retrofit is to be undertaken, but do not sacrifice performance and reliability for the sake of cost. As further documented there will be slight temperature and pressure increases within the system.

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What is the difference between R134A and R12?

R12 has threaded fittings (left) and R134a uses quick disconnect fittings (right). However, if you want to go the extra mile in preserving your car’s originality and value (and you have additional money to spend) there a plenty of reasons to avoid doing this conversion. Understand that R12 has its advantages.

Which is better R12 or R134A?

R12 can blow 6 to 7 degrees cooler than R134a and is 15% more efficient. R134a systems require larger condensers and higher operating pressures than R12 systems because R134a doesn’t have as high of a heat transfer rate as R12 (which has a heavier molecular size than R134a).

Is R134A a leak?

1. R134A is more hygroscopic than R12, so it is more prone to moisture absorption. This requires tighter seals and connections, as well as increased maintenance. Also, since R134a has a smaller molecular size, it is more prone to leaks than R12. 2.

Does PAG oil comply with R12 seals?

Some backyard mechanics or shady shops take short cuts and don’t replace all the seals during a conversion, for example. PAG oil does not comply with R12 seals, dramatically reducing the life of the seals and resulting in leaks.

Can a licensed shop service a R12?

That licensed shop needs to be equipped to service R12, and many aren’t. Add to the fact that R134a conversion kits are relatively inexpensive, and you can see why most people don’t hesitate to convert their cars. One could argue that fewer and fewer shops are capable of servicing R12, but that depends on where you look.

Does R12 blow colder?

As a result, a perfectly functioning R12 system will blow colder and reduce temperatures faster than a system that was converted to R134a. This is especially true in abnormally high ambient temperatures and/or high humidity.

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