Has anyone converted the R-12 system to a R-34? I have a 1967 Fury III that has a small leak in a A/C line and in order to change the o-ring I need to purge the R-12 out of the system. Getting it refilled with R-12 is, i'm told, very expensive. Converting to R-34 seems smart. I have read that the drier must be replaced and new adapters added to accept the R-34 refill lines. Any ideas?

 

my mechanic cousin told me to fill the system with nitrogen to detect leaks, then purge it and fill it with R-12. A buddy of mine turned me on to two cans of the stuff, but I'd bet you can get it on ebay, maybe?

 

the R-34 "conversion" seems to be a new fitting for filling and oil and freon. I know where one leak is (o-ring) so I need to purge the system anyway. Wonder how much the shop charges just to purge the R-12, i'm not about to just release it myself.

 

This answer is probably too late but, open the system up replace O ring(s), wet O ring with compressor oil when replacing it, not dry. It would be a good time to replace the dryer & it's O-rings but it is not necessary. Install the new R134 fittings and Evacuate system and check for leaks. I would get one can with oil charge, leak detect & R134 all in one can then top off with straight R134. I have converted several old MoPar's by fixing the leaks and replaced nothing else with great results. Depends on how much you want to spend. The money you save on the expense of R12 will offset the cost of the dryer. One thing to remember is forget the sight glass, with 134 your going to get bubbles. Trust your gauges. There are several urban-myths out there about cars exploding into fireballs and other crap, BS! Also if your trying to keep the factory stock look just unscrew the 134 fittings quickly when done and replace with the stock caps on the R12 fittings, only you will know it's R134! One more thing is tell the new owner it's 134 when you sell it!!!! (-;

 

That would get you up to $10k in fines if caught.

 

Look on e bay for stuff called freeze 12 haven't used it but have heard it works without changing all that stuff. I may be wrong just a sugestion.

 

Freeze 12 is crap and will ruin your system.

 

Thanks like i said i had not used it yet now i won't i will have to find a new drier or have mine rebuilt if that's possible i've looked for a replacement for my 66 cuda the ones i found did not match whats in my car orig.

 

All that stuff?? If your talking about the O rings, you might as well just poke a hole in the can and let the freon out and be done with it, in stead of taking the time to put it into the system and ultimately leaking out anyway!

 

I personally have no problem venting it. If you do it in a back yard or something you won't get caught, just don't let it get in your face or anything.

Also, my system got really clogged up so I had to clean out the evaporator and condenser with an air compressor. I blame it on not cleaning out the old R12 first. Make sure you vacuum it out before recharging it, and replace the drier.

 

If you blab it on a public forum, it could become a problem, and the EPA pays quite well for the tips too. I would not be telling people you do this if you know what I mean. I deminimus release (purging the manifold)is acceptable, but full blown release of cfc's and hcfc's is illegal. Releasing what is left in the hoses after a charge is considered excessive release.

 

I just did this conversion for my '76 Stingray. One day I will have to do it for my '68 Fury II.

You must replace all o-rings. The old ones are not compatible with R-134a. You should replace the rubber hoses. There are products to flush the R-12 out. I recommend pulling all parts out and flushing/repaint/clean out bugs as necessary. A new drier is required. I had to replace the compressor too. Again this was all for my Vette.

While you are at it, you could also replace the fan motor.

And...there are some of us that have R-12 squirreled away for a rainy day. I heard it goes for $50/can now.

If done right, a shop can check for leaks and charge it for you. If you take shortcuts, you will chase leaks for 1-2 years. Do it right and it should be good for several years.

 

Check craigslist for R12 cans. Going rate is anywhere from $15-$25 a can.