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.
Camera: Brian Kast
Tools.
AC Oil Injector: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/mastercool-82375-2-oz-a-c-oil-injector-r134a/#oid=1002_1
Manifold gauge set: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/cps-products-mb1234-dual-a-c-manifold-gauge-set-for-r12-and-r134a/#oid=1002_1
Related Videos.
AC System Basics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w17DpGCcRj8
AC Performance Testing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU_A4wNuHXI
Finding and Repairing AC Leaks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95RdGLFIbL8
Recharging AC Systems: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lglPJuBXVeE
Vigor Blower Motor (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StNJ7Gz1NPc
Vigor Blower Motor (Part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga2DS5Q6IH0
Vigor Blower Motor (Part 3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doP9z6l9T4c
Vigor Radiator Replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY4zS9ZQNmI
Useful links.
Armstrong Automotive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp7pJHzOYAY
Useful articles.
HVAC problems
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-hvac-problems
Electrical Problems
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems
Engine overheat
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-do-when-your-engine-overheats
No start problems
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems
Idle issues
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-idle-problems
Performance issues
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues
Diagnosing Noises
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car
Diagnosing Vibrations
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/determining-the-causes-of-vehicle-vibrations
Brake Issues
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-brake-problems
Transmission issues
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-transmission-problems
Buying a Used Car
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-look-for-in-a-used-car-purchase
Leaks
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks
MPG
http://ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-the-causes-of-poor-mpg
Discussion about this Video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/54861-how-to-retrofit-an-ac-system-r12-r134a#119301
ETCG Forum: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/component/kunena/1-stay-dirty-lounge?Itemid=0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricTheCarGuy?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricTheCarGuy
Google+: https://plus.google.com/100195180196698058780/posts
Information on Premium Membership: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/premium-content-streaming-etcg-content
Stay Dirty
ETCG
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.
How about converting it to R152a since it’s so cheap and takes minimal change in parts?
Nice
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
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.
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.
RFM 77c majura gate Surat fayad shaikh
LOL my 1988 Camry, still works! But not really cold, compressor and fans still work.
Or the janky way put r134a though r12 gauges tighten the hose clamps duct tape the hoses and pray that the ancient hoses hold
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.
I have a 1994 rodeo and it came factory with r 134 a refrigerant
He makes feel very sleepy.😴
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.
Question
My 1993 Sentra has an electrical connector on the Drier which is a pressure sensor
These Chinese driers does not have any electrical input
How should I proceed guys?
10:50 don’t pump the psi over 120 otherwise you’re a ______. 😂
Question…. at 14:20 does the compressor have a valve or something that doesnt allow it to engage if its low of refrigerant?? Its hot here and my a/c pooped the bed, warm air coming out the vents and kind of a moaning and groaning noise lmao
you can put r500 TO REMPLACE WITH NOT ALL THIS SHIT AND TROUBLE AFTER DIFFERENT oil but if you ont have pressure you have a leak to repair before
It's definitely an art, rather than a science!
my 1996 Nissan Hardbody had r134a but my 1990 300zx was r12
glad you will admit when something you do doesn't work out, but you follow up with the correct thing.
Great Video Eric
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!!