Putting R134 in my 88 XJ

Kevin, R134 just isn't as effective as R12 is in the really hot temps. My wife's 2002 a/c in her JGC uses R134 and it doesn't put out air as cold as my '97 TJ does that uses R12. In fact, it was barely able to keep up with the Las Vegas temps we encountered a few weeks ago. Is there anyway they can repair yours AND use R12? I know the laws are strict but I think R12 is still available for repairs if you're a certified a/c mechanic.

Jerry

I'm with Jerry on this one. If you want cooling at 5 mph and 100 degree temperatures, you want R12. You should still be able to get the system charged with R12, but it will cost more than R134a. It will be worth it though.

Ever been to Mexico? I hear they will sell you all the R12 you want...

Earle

ditto R134A isn't as effective as R12 & it is even worse in a R12 system......

Kevin's Jeep is an '88. It was originally designed for R12 and shipped with R12 in it. "What the system calls for" is R12. If he converts it to R134a, I don't think he will be happy.

(I think new vehicles started shipping with R134a in 1993 or 1994, but don't quote that.)

Earle

From what the AC shops have been telling me, If I need to get a new compressor then I might as well replace all the other parts too and convert to 134. But R12 is 50 bucks a pound or so and The system only holds 2 or 2.5 lbs. So it sounds to me like fixing my R12 system would only theoretically cost about 100 bucks more that converting all the parts over to R134. I need all the cooling I can get here in SD. Maybe I will stay with R12. by the way, I decided to charge the thing with 75 bucks worth of R12 just to get it going again. The leaks are still there. I hope to get another year out of these parts before replacing them. I just dont have time now. My last charge lasted 3 or 4 years with the same compressor seal leak. The low side hose looks like it is going bad though. It has a few very tiny micro pinholes that seep oil. KH

My Suburban had already been converted to R134a, so this year when it came time to fix all the leaks I used R134a again. I have no refrigerant or air leaks, a like new blower, and a new compressor and metering orifice valve. I am disappointed with the result. If you want to be disappointed too, then you could convert to R134a! I may just convert the Suburban back to R12 some day.

Earle

My '95 XJ has the R134 stuff... Cools well enough even on a hot day here in Houston... Looking back, I probably shouldn't have bought the black one though... Black cars are not all that smart down here... Grace's Mercedes was converted to the R134 stuff and it seems to cool as quick as when it was running on R12...

I've noticed that also... The relay for my electric fan has been sticking and I need to periodically jiggle it after stopping the vehicle so that it won't keep running after I'm through driving it... It will run to the point where the battery is just barely able to turn over the engine the next time I'm ready to start it... When I have to open the hood, it is hot enough that I need leather gloves... Part of that is the engine temperature, part of that is that the vehicle is painted black and this is Houston during the summer...

I seem to remember that changing to the newer style of condenser is supposed to help with the help of a rotary a/c compressor. I converted a 92 Jetta (rotary compressor) to R134a after installing a new "stock" condenser and receiver/dryer and am very happy with the results. I converted an Audi 4000S (piston compressor) to R134a and it is about as weak as it was with R12. :-( It also had received a new condenser recently and a new receiver/dryer.

I have to repair my 88 GW's a/c system and convert to R134a. I think it needs the compressor removed, oil drained out and system flushed. Maybe next year. :-) later, dave

LOL the death kit. Someone tried that on my motorhome before I got it and black death ensued. The orifice was a big nasty black mess. KH

Too far. I wouldnt mind getting my hands on that stuff either. KH

disappointed