R12 --> R134 Conversion (92 300E)

A/C has a slow leak -- down to ~1lb after 12 months. I'd be happy to just recharge the system every 12 months, rather than do a complete rebuild. But, R12 is such a hassle to deal with.

I've seen some very inexpensive R12 --> R134 conversion kits (less than $50) in local stores -- gauges, oil and R134. Do these kits work? Or, can they cause problems?

Are there other options, and how much do they cost?

What is a reasonable price for a rebuild?

Thanks in advance.....

--matt

Reply to
matt
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I haven't converted my 380SL but I did convert my old Dodge Diplomat a couple of years ago. The R-134 kit came with a can of "sealer" which stopped the slow leak in that car, at least for a year (I don't drive it that often and last month cranked it up and found that the a/c was blowing hot air once again). And although it's a lot cheaper than R-12, I'd be hesitant to change over a Mercedes unless you plan on keeping it for a long, long time.

/ramalane

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Reply to
ramalane

Stay w/12... Way better thermal property specs than 134a.

Reply to
AJDalton7

$4 to the R12 manufacturer and $296 to Greenpeace. I think R12 is running about $75/lb in US now.

Howard

Reply to
hnelson

The thing with R12 in your case is you only need a topping off , as you do not have a large leak.. S o, that usually requires less than a lb. Some will tell you that it has to be evacuated and recharged , but in cases where the level never get low enough for the low side to pull a vacuum, there is no fear of air having entered the system.. A proper 134a repalcemnt/conversion requires not only oil, fitting, and 134a, but new expansion valve , high side switches, O rings , and flush...not cheap, and after all that, you still wind up with a system that can not handle the high thermal loads of R12.. Abd to be more specific, the system in your model was never a strong unit to begin with...so , with marginal performance of 134a ., well you see where I am going...

Reply to
AJDalton7

Stay with the R-12. You won't be sorry. Converting to 134 is a quick fix that won't hold up and then you'll be looking at serious money to make things right again. Fix your leak and recharge with R-12. The price of R-12 is coming down as all the newer cars are being built with 134 and demand on R-12 lessens.

Reply to
Rockman59

R-134 does not require a new expansion valve.

Reply to
John

No it does not.. But R12 EV will decrease the thermal efficency of the evaporator by 20 %.. Not neccessary, but highly recommended ....

Reply to
AJDalton7

The only problem with the cheap do it yourself charge kits is no problem at all if you have 134a and a slow leak. The only way to know exactly what is leaking is to have an a/c service tech inject fluorescein dye into your system The leak will show like a beacon under ir light. P.

Reply to
pkmaven

Don't change to 134A! Freeze 12 is an exact replacement for R12 and gets ice cold faster than 134A.This new refrigerant is safe and approved by the EPA.

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Reply to
pkmaven

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