How To Retrofit an AC System R-12 to R-134a -EricTheCarGuy

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Retrofitting AC systems is something that has been done for many years now. In 1996 systems were switched over to R134a from R12 refrigerant. R12 refrigerant is no longer available to the general public so when faced with a major AC repair on on older vehicle like my Acura Vigor, it's a good idea to retrofit the system to work with R134a. There are some important considerations however such as what to do with the old oil in the system. Be sure to consult with the service information for your vehicle for the most accurate information on that.
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

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20 ноя 2014

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Комментарии : 501

@robs1852 5 лет назад

During the Schrader valve launch, Cameraman Brian remained perfectly still for the sake of the footage. However, later that night realized he had the Shrader valve lodged in the back of his neck!!!

@drink15 9 лет назад

So i found a broken bathroom window and a schrader valve in my sink....

@inertia210 9 лет назад

LOL

@solesearched 9 лет назад

lol good one

@tmst2199 5 лет назад

brilliant

@tmst2199 5 лет назад

I found my jaw on the floor

@Devo1987 2 года назад

Thats weird I had the same this happen to me and im far away

@JoeyHeartthrob 9 лет назад

i love this video because it shows that its OK to make mistakes and that you dont know everyting

@Phil454LSX 4 года назад

I like how he had to go to a professional anyway. And THAT is why there are certifications required to do HVAC work. I wonder if the compressor is still working after those mistakes or if the JB Weld is still holding. Oh Well, 134a is cheap when the fitting needs to be replaced.

@johndoeck4153 3 года назад

@@Phil454LSX to

@southernautodiy2643 2 года назад

Right, another wise quote from Eric "if you can't laugh at yourself you don't need to be doing this"

@ketoninja 9 лет назад

I think a mechanically inclined person could become a pretty decent Honda mechanic simply by watching this guy's videos. ETCG, you are the MAN. Thanks for another great video.

@reedthetradesmen4951 7 лет назад

just helped me tremendously! I'm a bit guy as we all are. was attempting to change Schrader valves and the low side was seized. thankfully it was retrofitted and after watching your video, I know realize it was able to just tread off. thanks for your insight and knowledge base! ETCG real deal

@nik12937 9 лет назад

Geez Eric, your videos lately have been syncing up oddly well with what we're covering in my classes. We just moved on to HVAC systems two weeks ago, and here you are with a very applicable video! Great video as always Eric, I'm happy to see firsthand how to convert an R-12 system to an R-124a.

@TamiyaRunner 9 лет назад

Perfect timing with this video, Eric. I have a 1985 Chevy Blazer and a 1994 Camaro both with R12 systems, and neither of them work. Thank you for sharing this.

@daverohn383 2 года назад

I have a 1968 Cadillac with only 14K miles on it and the system has leaked out over the last 30 years that it was in storage. I was wondering how to get the AC back up and running, and this video answers that question. Thanks for making it!

@MrXSmasher 9 лет назад

I want to take a second to thank you Eric for making these videos. They've helped me so much. I currently study automotive and the help u give mixed with lecture and practice is amazing. Ur the best :)

@rodolfoherrera1409 Год назад

I've found that replacing the expansion valve makes a huge difference when either refilling 134/12 specially so if you are retrofitting. Thanks for the video !

@Isjix4410 4 года назад

A few hints for R-12 to R-134a conversions if it is just not cooling good enough for you are a few common issues, but not limited to endless possibilities of multiple issues, but some to especially consider: 1. Replacing the condenser with a parallel flow-type condenser (R-134a, interchangable with R-12 also) in place of the large tube and fin (R-12) condenser for better heat dissipation. 2. Replace the cycling switch (usually located on the accumulator) with one calibrated for R-134a; as it cuts off at the proper PSI range, compared to R-12 pressures. 3. Check your mechanical fan clutch. these wear out and will not spin the fan fast enough to pull sufficient air-flow through your condenser. (most noticeable at idle) (also check your shroud) 4. Too much oil in the system. Look up the proper oil capacity for your vehicle. 5. Dirty evaporator (short-cycling, low air-flow. check your cabin air-filter if equipped) 6. Dirty orifice tube/expansion valve (from not flushing the whole system properly) 7. Air in system

@kiwanmansoor2863 Месяц назад

Have question regarding r12 to 134a . Can i ask u ?

@ericthecarguy 9 лет назад

Something to be considered when servicing an AC system older than 1996ish. How To Retrofit an AC System R-12 to R-134a -EricTheCarGuy

@TheNextGoogification 8 лет назад

Hey Eric please see my post on top - Rob McCarthy

@axnbjsbdudbydvydubu9355 6 лет назад

what happens if you put r134a without a retrofit kit ?

@classic4drchevy188 6 лет назад

1994 is when all automakers switched over to R134a and now I'm seeing the new R1234yf and no you can't retrofit 134a with R1234

@kenneychappuis1853 4 года назад

Good thing you took it to a mechanic

@brandonfinkbiner7714 4 года назад

glad you will admit when something you do doesn't work out, but you follow up with the correct thing.

@rickmalarky9878 9 лет назад

Great Video. I have a 93 Ford Escort I would like to do this to. Very informative.

@petersomthing9508 4 года назад

we watch these videos to learn , thanks Eric keep up the good work

@youngseanconnery8577 4 года назад

This guy is great and has a way of instruction that doesn’t make me feel like a dumbass

@jacobwolf1670 3 года назад

For the record, R12 IS still available, and at least in my state, you DON'T need a license. However, it's SUPER EXPENSIVE compared to 134, and only a few places sell it, so retrofitting the way Eric showed is by far the best choice.

@wesdoobner7521 2 года назад

You can get r12 for $30 a can off ebay. the way r134 is going up it will be more than that next month.

@jacobwolf1670 2 года назад

@@wesdoobner7521 I didn't know that, I don't shop on eBay too much. The prices I've seen were at auto parts stores.

@wesdoobner7521 2 года назад

@@jacobwolf1670 Ebay is the place to buy New old stock stuff, or used items. But r12 is up to about $42 a can including shipping charges now.

@catfisher420 2 года назад

except for you only get maybe half the cooling effect from 134a than you do from R12. R12 systems could spray ice out of the vents.

@oblivianation9759 2 года назад

@@wesdoobner7521 I am so happy I read your comment. Order up!

@GrafKroete 9 лет назад

Another great video about something I had to do to my Prelude... Luckily I have access to a professional service unit for A/Cs.

@Darwinpasta 9 лет назад

JB Weld for the win!

@johnkaplanian 9 лет назад

Dear Eric. Thank you indeed for the lovely video as usual (I call it real life videos). I and probably every one knows that nothing surpasses the American Cars ACs in terms of great cooling capacity, Loooooooool Have a great time and keep bombarding us with your videos.

@zer0ed779 7 лет назад

"I feel somethin'. I feel it going in!"

@taoh780 9 лет назад

I loved how cold the AC was when I had my 91 240SX, it never leaked so I never had a reason to retrofit and it was ice cold every time I needed to use it. Unfortunately, that reliable old car is no longer with me.

@DreamRoadRonny 2 года назад

I’m here because I’m just watching all AC videos. I will be keeping R12 in 91 240sx.

@itzpat215 2 года назад

I have a 93 civic coupe with r12 ac. I was thinking of using the retro fit to 134a and removing all the old refridgerant and put new one but take out the 134a fitting then use my r12 cans i have. But the civic hasnt been done in so long so i have alot of work to do to get that r12 to run in my civic again.

@Arizona9001 10 месяцев назад

I know this is an old one but it’s new to me and I’m using all the info. Thanks Eric 🤙

@homersimpsonii5455 9 лет назад

I would take the compressor off the vehicle and get all the oil out of it, then pour the new oil in the compressor, then hook the lines up and turn the compressor by hand for a couple of minutes. That has always worked well for me when retro fitting from R12 to 134A and usually can gat the recommended amount of oil in the system. I would have also changed the orifice tube, they are cheap and not that difficult.

@blackericdenice 4 года назад

Homer Simpson II Yet you don’t have one video on your channel of you doing anything to a car.

@customersupport9513 2 года назад

@@blackericdenice what does that have to do with car experience?

@blackericdenice 2 года назад

@@customersupport9513 What experience? Just because he can type it online does not mean he has done it. There are a lot of people come to my channel trying to school me on how to do something I've done. Yet when you go to their channel. They don't have any videos on the subject.

@customersupport9513 2 года назад

@@blackericdenice this guy was just commenting his method of doing something, people have hobbies you know? youtube doesnt directly describe everyones lives you know? you don't even know the guy and you're just coming at this dude for describing his method of retrofitting and whats happened to him in his experience so far. no one was trying to school you dude ur taking this to heart

@blackericdenice 2 года назад

@@customersupport9513 If you say so

@jonathanclark3809 4 года назад

Attempting to retro my 90 Accord EX. Will let you know how it goes. Shocks, struts, upper control arms, brake pads, rotors, wheel bearings have all been a sinch thanks to your videos. I appreciate your work and efforts ETCG. Especially when you make an error and show us at home that it not only happens, but that it's OK and fixable. Keep up the wonderful work!!

@YUGOLOW День назад

Howd it go

@averyalexander2303 6 лет назад

Good video, but I wouldn't suggest downgrading to R134a. R12 isn't crazy expensive on Ebay and an R12 system generally doesn't work as well as it used to once converted to R134a, and the system is often more likely to experience problems. Not just because R134a is less efficient, but also because it runs at a higher head pressure, which means more stress on the system. It doesn't carry oil as well as R12 either, and the R134a molecules are much smaller than R12 molecules, which means that R134A can leak right through R12 hoses. There are other problems with R134A conversions also, but you get the idea. If you do decide to convert, you really should remove the system, flush out the old mineral oil, replace the dryer and all the O rings, and use the proper oil. Leaving mineral oil in the system with R134a isn't a good idea. On some vehicles, it may be possible to upgrade to a parallel flow condenser, which will definitely help the R134a perform better and help mitigate the higher head pressures R134a runs at.

@DannyWalker1949 6 лет назад

Also, in my Big Truck's I used to run R-22 freon in them with some manipulation of parts and did for many, many years. I used to run all across the Southwest in the deserts with Giant Heavy Loads and it worked out well for me. I could put Frost on my windows with it.

@selador11 3 года назад

I believe they say that ester oil works with either of the refrigerants, and can be added to the system when changing to r134a from r12, without having to get all of the old oil out.

@jhowe67 6 лет назад

This is why i was so happy the guy i bought my 91 s10 had already done this for me. now i just have to fix the vent controller to actually get to use the a/c

@notsure7874 3 года назад

I worked in a car shop from 94 - 96, and the R-12 you did need a license to buy, and even though cars were only a year or two old that were produced with R-12, it was getting impossible to find, and VERY expensive. We had an A/C reclamation system, and any cars that were junk, or being converted to 134, we'd suck the freon out of them. If I remember correctly, if you were trying to buy a bottle of R-12 (20 or 30lb bottle, idr) it was over 700 bucks.

@vtran1082 9 лет назад

Eric, thanks for this video. It really helped me out alot!

@mythril4 7 лет назад

Ester oil, compatible with R-12 and R-134A. Best method. Remove pump hoses, remove orifice tube or expansion valve, remove accumulator. Flush system and dry remaining components (easy with older r-12 systems), Charge pump with new PAG oil, install new expansion valve or orifice tube, install new accumulator, replace all o-rings and seals, install retro fits, pull vacuum for one hour (removes all air and boils off any water. Now here is the best trick ever, go to a truck parts store and buy a 30Lb r-134a jug for around $100, recharge accordingly.

@jamesterrill1938 4 года назад

I think this was a great video and refresher for me...

@80sfordguy 2 года назад

This was a good video except for the fact that it left questions unanswered and more questions in addition.

@25BEDFORD 3 года назад

Evacuate system, remove orifice tube from high pressure line, remove low pressure line and then blow denatured alcohol through high pressure line to thoroughly clean oils from system, coming out from the low pressure side. Continue through a couple of cleaning cycles then blow completely dry, fill with pag oil, close off system then check for leaks before recharging. Old man showed me this back in the late 90's.

@BigDaddy28027 9 лет назад

im going to be doing this on my 1977 buick lesabre, im certain it had R12, going to be buying the retrofit kit and adding new Freon, look forward to it having ice cold AC finally.

@norcalmikebmw 9 лет назад

Very helpful. Thanks!

@usmale47374 9 лет назад

This is a great video for anyone with a car or truck still using R12 refrigerant in their vehicle's AC. You did warn people not to over-tighten their AC fittings. That's critical. AC lines are made from aluminum and strip very easily, so that's a possibility that everyone should be aware of before they begin. You mentioned that vehicles made prior to 1996 were likely to use R12 refrigerant in their air conditioners, but both of my 1994 vehicles (Toyota Corolla and Dodge Dakota) were factory equipped with ACs that use R134a. There should be a sticker somewhere under the hood--and probably in the owner's manual--that lists the type or refrigerant used. Keep up the good work!

@LMacNeill 9 лет назад

That's a *very* important point. ALL vehicles were REQUIRED to have R-134a by the 1996 model-year (in the United States, at least) -- but SOME vehicles had R-134a BEFORE the 1996 model year. (My 1995 Ford T-Bird had it.) So if you have ANY vehicle from the early 1990s, check under your hood, or in the owner's manual, or in the service manual, BEFORE you assume that you need to upgrade your system to R-134a -- you might get lucky, and it already has R-134a from the factory.

@ericthecarguy 9 лет назад

usmale47374 That's a good point but I think it would be obvious if it was R134a because of the fittings used on the system.

@usmale47374 9 лет назад

EricTheCarGuy You're absolutely right. I'll credit my oversight to a senior moment. :)

@LMacNeill 9 лет назад

+Lefty McStinky: "because DuPont's patents are running out." You are 100% correct, my friend. Isn't it funny how, just after DuPont's patents ran out on R-12, it was suddenly *dangerous* and *destructive of the ozone layer*. And, hey, guess who had the patent on the only available replacement? That's right - DuPont! And now that the patent is running out on R-134a, they're suddenly finding out that this "completely safe alternative to R-12" is *dangerous* and *destructive to the environment*. Ridiculous.

@brandonw6622 9 лет назад

LMacNeill I'm section 608 universally certified and I think some of the EPA laws are just silly. Like 134a has an ozone depletion potential of 0 yet it is still illegal to vent.

@PackedFunk 5 лет назад

Very informative!

@Boodieman72 9 лет назад

Its nice to know even professional mechanics also run into problems sometimes.

@punker6506 9 лет назад

the pressure in that dryer was crazy! I've never seen that before either.

@jlc7300 4 года назад

probably was used

@scruffygit771 2 года назад

It would have been a nitrogen charge in the drier from new to prevent any air entering.

@cad1995 2 года назад

I will be going to Scott’s shop, he seems to know what he is doing!

@eaglevision993 9 лет назад

I use a 40/60 mix of refrigerant grade propane and iso-butane in my 88 Corvette as R12 replacement... works very good since years. Mixing it myself, very cheap and environmentally friendly. No need to add new oil or open the system. But as far as I know it is illegal in the USA...

@Dfm253 2 года назад

Well yeah man, it’s flammable and heavier than air, meaning it tends to draw flame into compressed spaces unlike things like natural gas that flame out and are generally safer.

@johnferguson7235 8 лет назад

Eric, I'm glad that you don't hide your failures. We can often learn more from our failures than our successful jobs. I think that you misread the instructions for the amount of compressor oil. The instructions seemed to show the amount required if replacing the compressor, which you didn't do. Doesn't the R-134 require a new expansion valve at the evaporator?

@stco2426 2 года назад

Many thanks, Eric. I’m starting to diagnose the HVAC issues on a ~1993 Toyota and while I thought it was a R134(a?) system I was confused by the different high and low fittings to the gauge manifold set I’ve got and in comparison to a more modern European car. Based on the fittings it now appears the vehicle was designed as a R12 so will be needing a conversion kit to start the process. No dramas and many thanks for showing the work on your ‘Honda’. My learning has continued with a sojourn into your archive of videos, which are still very relevant. Cool and thanks, again.

@gregmau7268 4 года назад

Great Video Eric

@bshawn41 9 лет назад

Ive been waiting for this forever!! Too bad its too cold here for a/c now):

@youngbuckrestoration3912 5 лет назад

6:38 That reminds me of back in high school auto class our instructor would always call schrader valves "Jesus valves" because everyone who removed them from the tire stem would jump and go "Jesus!" when it goes flying across the shop haha

@ronmitchell8929 Год назад

Mineral oil sits in the compressor. I always take it off and clean it out, replace the old accumulator and orifice tube, flush your lines and evaporator with a flush gun. Then proceed with your vacuum. If it holds a vacuum no need for dye. I don't like using that stuff unless you have to. The cleaner the guts the better. :) At 90° low side 45-55 and high side 250-270.

@dclrepair3869 2 года назад

I believe my ALLDATA has the oil amounts per compressor I just did a 92 tempo pretty much exactly the same other than the dumb quick fittings( Ya right QUICK), But great job Spot on for the retro.

@carslover3509 9 лет назад

great work

@pavy415 3 года назад

You can still buy r12 online if you need it

@nswst8 9 лет назад

Good job showing that the mistakes made in retrofitting an A/C system are not only exclusively reserved for the novice. I would have flush the old oil out with compressed air and denatured alcohol. Then added the 4oz of Pag oil. I too, oil logged a A/c system in my earlier days. Again great job in sharing the trials and tribulations of auto mechanics.

@ooCHICOoo 9 лет назад

Good video eric thanks

@AlphaMaxx1 6 лет назад

Once I did a retrofitting from R12 to R134a with normal R134a refrigerant and was a total failure because it never got cold. Then a few months later I vacuumed the system and filled it with a R134a refrigerant from "EnviroSafe" (compatible with R12 and R134a). The result was AMAZING. I even use it today on one of my cars. EnviroSafe gets you cold even if you have your system is filled to around 30 or 40%. To me there's nothing better. My two cents.

@johnnyjohn8073 5 лет назад

Right after reading your comment, I went into Amazon to look for this Enviro-safe R134a regrigerant. It says that each can is 3oz. but is = to one 16oz can of regular R134a refrigerant. It also says that the best (coldest I assume) result is without vacuuming the old AC system. Hard to believe but I'm willing to try it. I got 4 older cars to retrofit, maybe. 1991 Miata, 1991 4runner, 1989 Mustang 5.0, and a 1979 El Camino. I'll try it first on my 4runner. If it works, I'll use it for the rest of the cars. Thanks for the info.

@gereral1_jackofalltrades 9 лет назад

If I owned a old car like this then hell yah id try to diy this. My newer Hyundai requires that you measure the amount of refrigerant being pumped in from a drained system. Also they state that you should measure the amount of oil per unit being replaced. Each item in the ac system takes a certain amount of oil. Just for you guys out there if you are out by one ounce of refrigerant for the total you can cause damage to ac parts. That's why he took it to the guy with the 10 thousand dollar ac machine. This machine drains charges and adds the oil to the exact amounts. We have one of this machines in the truck yard were I work. A little tip. get it drained by this machine. Take it home do your work on the ac... change parts whatever then take it back and pay to have it recharged with this machine. Buy that vacuum machine that eric used to test for the pressure to hold so you can confirm your repair. These machines cost 100 bucks. A set of gauges cost 60 bucks. But as for charging unless you can scale the weight of each can the amount of ounces that is put in don't even try this at home. Thanks for sharing this video.....

@chargermopar 6 лет назад

R12 was 99 cents a can when I used to buy it You could get it anywhere When I ran out of it a few years back I decided to go with butane instead of R134. Still had to do a complete system cleaning as the old oil was not compatible.

@B1GDaddyFatStax 9 лет назад

As a parts specialist I was always having to help customers calculate the correct amount of oil and the right type for their vehicles. One of the biggest culprits of miscalculation was the small amount of oil that may already be supplied in the refrigerant. That may be where you went wrong. In a 24oz can I believe it already has about 4oz of oil in it. In this case Honda and yourself may not have been wrong, it could've been the refrigerant itself. Another thing I've heard is that R134 is made up of larger molecules. This means the condenser may need to be replaced with one slightly larger to allow for greater expansion and better heat transfer. Whether that's an accurate statement is beyond me, but makes sense. It explains the difference in the cooling capabilities of both refrigerants. At any rate it's a great video and I love watching this channel. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to more m.

@B1GDaddyFatStax 9 лет назад

4oz may be extreme, but usually there is oil in those cans.

@francistheodorecatte 9 лет назад

B1GDaddyFatStax is usually ~3oz for the big cans like he was using.

@John-rz6sp 9 лет назад

B1GDaddyFatStax Those cans can come with dye, with a specific type of oil, or with a sealer. You have to read the can to see what you are buying. I would not recommend getting the can with a sealer. It could cost you more in the long run when it doesn't seal as advertized.

@leo72s30 9 лет назад

John B. Kobberstad anything with sealer in it is a big no no imo

@jerrygordon1620 6 лет назад

R134a molecules are actually 4 times smaller than R12 molecules hence the reason your system will leak a little over time vs R12

@snooopy365 9 лет назад

I just used R413A. It doesn't require different oil. I didn't fill it myself but the shop that did it did not install any different fittings. It was an 15 minute job and the AC was good to go.

@Oxedizer 9 лет назад

Good man, R437a is more suitable, as R413a is more of a R22 replacement, but like you say it works just fine and the oil is compatible.

@fast68chevy 6 лет назад

437 and 413 can replace 12? im confused?

@rbxrby4041 Год назад

Thank you....im glad i found your video

@chrisdowland 6 лет назад

I love JB weld

@Lmacdon610 8 лет назад

Pressure in that receiver dryer reason to always where safety googles when doing a/c work.

@amtrakusa1 3 дня назад

Yeah, I probably would have waited and let it vent out slowly to nothing.

@nicholasclark4079 9 лет назад

Hey Eric, great video! Only thing is that I would have showed the fixing of the fitting with JB weld. Just to show the whole process. I know JB weld isn't the best thing in the world to use, and some people consider it a "hack" kind of repair, but it would have been cool to see.

@DannyWalker1949 6 лет назад

I was gonna say....my 1994 F-150 Step Side came with R-134a from the factory. I bought it new.

@alocin110 4 года назад

AAAAAAAAAA+++++++++ Best video on youtube. You are a professional technician and a professional Teacher. Thank you. Thumbs up for you.

@Nperez1986 5 лет назад

At first I was upset I was getting on 27-28 on the vacuum...thought something was wrong, but it held vacuum...then I saw this vid :)

@danielodupont 3 года назад

JB Weld. Very professional!

@amtrakusa1 3 дня назад

It is amazing how well that stuff works. On this type of repair I'd recommend JB weld original. Slower to cure and practically impenetrable if all surfaces are properly cleaned.

@JUDGERAMBO 9 лет назад

JB Weld ..really ETCG

@madmotorrepair1748 6 лет назад

Hey thanks a lot!!!!!!!! Save me a lot of hassle thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@tedmich 8 лет назад

Good video! Old R12 driers are silica and do not work well with R134a. R134a driers are molecular sieves and its best to use them in the retrofit. In Toyota this means drilling new holes for the pins as the driers are keyed for each system. If you use PAG the system should be very empty of mineral oil because they do not mix. Another oil choice is POE which does mix with old mineral oil, but is more moisture sensitive and should only be freshly opened (not like crusty old PAG can in this video!) When you put the new fittings on its also best to pull the existing schrader valve core and lose the little plastic piece on the new valves which is supposed to press the old valve core down. The plastic can dissolve and screw up the new valve! The general rule of thumb is R134A 0.9lbs = R12 1lb

@dans_Learning_Curve 8 лет назад

+tedmich Thank you for the reason to pull the schrader valve! I was looking at the conversion and knew it had the ability to depress the valve, but I didn't know of the fact of the plastic being dissolved.

@williamcook2499 5 лет назад

I love this guy... seriously.....

@williamcook2499 5 лет назад

Honestly the worst of people to watch....

@philipramsey5577 4 года назад

Just curious how you got the oil out of the system was it strictly vacuuming?

@michaelm6091 3 года назад

Thanks for the excellent video. I do however have a question. When using the oil injector, the first time it was full of oil and some uv dye. The second time, the oil injector would contain the oil and uv dye but a lot of air space. How do you use the oil injector when it is partially filled and prevent contamination of the system with the air space in the oil injector when it is not full? Thank you.

@thegxpguy 2 года назад

also a note for why r134a does not cool as good as r12 in an original r12 system for anyone thats seeing this video in the future is because you need a parallel flow condenser. some aftermarket condensers that you buy for your car pre '94 will already come as parallel flow, some will be the original tube and fin design. i took the retrofit one step further on a 92 318i convertible. purchased a parallel flow condenser, a new compressor dryer and replaced every oring with the green ones, the only original parts were the lines them selves and the evaporator. these things i used an ac system flush and about 30psi of air. new pag oil and unfortunately it was a fill until ice cold situation. theirs no real way to determine how many oz of r134a would go in an original r12 design.

@contrapezist 7 лет назад

Yea, in 1993 ye ol autoshop teacher said add oil when you recharge which may have been fine then, claiming he never saw a compressor damaged by too much oil. Not so valid now, had to replace my condenser after hitting a deer went ahead and added 8oz of oil since it blew what looked like a lot out. Didn't work right, did a recovery on it it had 14oz of oil. Put back the correct 8oz and it worked like new.

@sam111880 9 лет назад

and I know the books say drilling into a bad receiver dryer or accumulator and emptying the pag oil into a measuring cup is a good way to measure how much oil you should add to each component but I would imagine the ac manuals would tell you specifically how many ounces of oil to add to each component rather then using the 2 or 1 ounce rules of things or going by how much was left in a bad component and assuming that was close to the orginal amount ... and you don't have to drill a thing or have a measuring cup just look up the manufacturing recommended specification

@ebberjr3924 3 года назад

Well done Eric. Very informative video. I have an 89 Ford Ranger. I am assuming that it must be retrofitted for R 134. Is that correct?

@sflifeguard2555 3 года назад

Hi Eric the Car Guy, greetings from San Francisco. Thank you for making this and the many other videos that you have put together to help others out there figuring out car stuff issues. I wanted to ask your opinion/advice on the following: In my 1985, Chevrolet Astro 2.5L 4CLY, 4 speed manual, I recently took it to a mechanic to re-charger the AC. He mentioned that my system was old, so he had to order those retrofitting connectors that you show on this video. However, the AC on this year van is the R12 and the mechanic said that he refilled it with r134. After that, the air does blow cold and all that good stuff but the AC compressor comes on and off/engages and disengages. I figured out that it could be due to a faulty AC clutch switch. The question is, if the AC clutch switch clearly reads "R12" as from the original manufacture, should I get an AC clutch switch that is for "R-134A"? The main difference is that the system does not have "R12", it was re-filled with "R134". Thank EricTheCarGuy, I hope you can help me figure out which one I should get or if it would make any difference.

@Mcbuzzerr 3 года назад

I need to get the AC for my 1985 RX-7 working or else I'm going to melt, glad it doesn't seem to be that hard. Just gotta get that oil refrigerant balance and fix the numerous leaks I probably have :)

@oxulucozcan4923 6 лет назад

You know not to mess around with HVAC when Eric goes to another guy

@johnharper3404 26 дней назад

I absolutely love this video but I think some oil would be left in the compressor. Thank u for the info. Nice job.

@declyn8 6 лет назад

THANK YOU!!!!!

@zzzdogutube 9 лет назад

Thanks man

@jesterof84 9 лет назад

I hate reto kits, I'm not sure about honda but you can tweak the low presure switch if you un plug it thers a flat screw under some tamper putty I belive its 1/4 turn cc to change pressur to better sute 134A, take a look

@charlesdirienzo6422 3 года назад

I have a 79 Vette that someone removed the ac compressor leaving system exposed to air for a long time. What would you recommend for parts to replace to get it up and running.? Love the videos especially cobra.

@MrGomoma 9 лет назад

Should have changed the txv valve or orffice i found the low side ussaly go into vaccum with old ones, installed new one on my car and the ac runs great

@gregh7457 3 года назад

low side goes into a vacuum if there isn't enough refrigerant in the system also

@jimbola77 8 лет назад

TOTALLY AGREE ERIC R12 WAS THE GOOD STUFF!!! AND AUTOMOTIVE AC IS SOME WHAT A PAIN IN THE #%%%#%#

@Phil454LSX 4 года назад

I liked the JB Weld fix, did he learn that when he was getting his 609 certification? .... Oh, Wait ... whats a 609 Cert? A $6 pack of JB Weld sure beats buying a new $2 fitting ... Why buy the fitting now when you can buy it later and have to change it. At least the system won't be full anymore after the JB Weld fails and releases all the refrigerant. When you add oil you also have to consider that there is already oil in the system, unless you flushed it all out. No wonder the system was overfull of oil.

@eddiewillers1 9 лет назад

R-12 is still widely available in Mexico at around US$13 per 1lb can.

@johnnyjohn8073 5 лет назад

I lived in southern California. I crossed the border into into TJ early before going to the bars just to have a shop in TJ refill my 91 Miata & my 91 4runner with R12 soon after r12 was banned here in the U.S. Sure you can buy the r12 refrigerant cans there but remember that it's illegal to cross them into the U.S. So paying a few dollars to keep that r12 cooling power was not bad at all considering I was 20 years old back then when crossing into and out of TJ. So it wasn't so bad. The primary reason was to party back then so refilling my R12 was secondary. But if R12 is more cold than R134, then why is the air so cold on the new rental cars?

@billydarley6925 5 лет назад

@@johnnyjohn8073 im thinking the newer ac cores and entire hvac system are designed to be more efficient. i was talking to a radiator repair shop the other day and learned a lot about what designs can increase the thermal efficiency of things like radiators. the science behind ac cores and radiators is probably pretty similar just different metals and pressures.

@hughjazzole2037 5 лет назад

Most likely its Propane

@Elicvn 5 лет назад

@@johnnyjohn8073 System designed for 134a vs retrofitting a system designed for R12

@marshalllhiepler 5 лет назад

Hugh Jazzole' , Yeah, what do they call that stuff? R290 ??

@kkampy4052 8 лет назад

I think new a/c components come pressurized with nitrogen. I bought a condenser and it was pressurized. this keeps the moisture out.

@jrodpadilla22 9 лет назад

What was the amount of oil you ended up using in CC's?

@Cragified 9 лет назад

The irony is that r134a is actually the more efficient refrigerant then R12. It just has higher pressures which requires better condensing which the old R12 system isn't designed for so you don't get as good performance out of the R12 system running r134a. Some cooling though sure is better then no cooling, I really need to replace my condenser o-rings myself for next summer. Such a mild one this year I've got a feeling we'll be paying for it in 2015

@TorqueEffect 9 лет назад

Yeah I botched my system when I didn't vacuum it out. The stuff I used said not to put it into a vacuum state (Envirosafe), and the cooling is piss poor. Also I think I did what Eric did and put too much oil in the system since low side pressures were high, though I didn't have a manifold gauge set so I couldn't see my high side pressures. Also my system is an R12 system that I installed in my car since it originally didn't even have a/c. Now it is friggin' cold as shit outside so now I want heat. lol

@0617victor 9 лет назад

Change the expansion valve if you put r134 in r12 system r134 uses different pressure thats why you have high pressure in the system

@mrjason9382 3 года назад

Thanks for shareing . But should have put hafe of that oil in the dryer then pulled a vacuum on the low side then put the other hafe in befor the refrigerant

@ltp9735 5 лет назад

To me you used Frigi-quiet oil from BG if you want your system to last a long time , try it , you will like for 8oz , I used to change So many a/c system Like I changing brake pads at the dealers I works for in those dates , BG is the best brand for oil, once it done , you will turn a/c down because the system is too cold because of BG brand , and it the truth , but that oil is around $30 for 12 oz. but it worth it

@TheRevClyde 9 лет назад

while its true that all vehicles by law had to use r134a from 96 on, most of the car companies decided to implement it starting halfway through 1994 and by the 95 model year the change over was 90% complete. its interesting to me that you didnt mention some of the alterntives to retro-fitting the r12 systems. i have read about and seen people using propane and recently canned air dusters to recharge r12 systems without worrying about the oil differences. i personally think using propane is a dangerous proposition and anybody enterting that thought needs thier head examined and possibly removed. thanks for the video. as always a great way to spend 20 minutes

@fast68chevy 6 лет назад

93 were 134A too