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So you can't put R12 in a R134a system?
Posted: March 10th, 2008, 11:16 pm
by iggys-amsoil
Well I did just exactly that.
So there was no freon in the system on the 88 Accord and it was just a matter of getting the can tap to work on the 134 cans. Figured it would only cost $20 to find out if the system will hold pressure.
I had to take the 134 can tap, screw it on, hammer it down about a 1/4", its soft alum, so the R12 can tap would fit over the center part. So I put in a can of three in one, stop leak, leak detector, 3 oz of oil, the rest is 134a. Hmmm getting cold, added another can after the R12 can tap broke but vise grips took care of that, and its cold enough. It still needs another can of 134 but I wanted to make sure the system holds first.
All I gota say is, What a bunch of crap the powers that be pulled on us. Where's that Finger smiley.

Posted: March 10th, 2008, 11:38 pm
by AlisoBob
If you didnt swap out the oem o-rings for the new style "green" ones...its not going to last....
Also, what type of oil did you use?
Posted: March 11th, 2008, 9:45 am
by dannygraves
I did the same thing on an old 5.0 stang. it kept leaking, but I would just refill it every month in summer!
still cheaper than fixing it!
Posted: March 11th, 2008, 11:37 am
by hoofarted
dannygraves wrote:I did the same thing on an old 5.0 stang. it kept leaking, but I would just refill it every month in summer!
still cheaper than fixing it!
ya - you shoulda fixed the heater core while you were at it!

Posted: March 11th, 2008, 11:50 am
by dannygraves
Posted: March 12th, 2008, 4:00 pm
by iggys-amsoil
AlisoBob wrote:If you didnt swap out the oem o-rings for the new style "green" ones...its not going to last....
Hmmm... I don't think that the "green" ones were installed at the evaporater core on the 89 when the "new" system was put on. But like I said $20 is worth tryin. If it doesn't last, and that depends on how long, I still have the new system from the 89.
AlisoBob wrote:Also, what type of oil did you use?
Well its not like I can get Amsoil in a store bought R134 can.

But they do make compressor oils. I didn't read the can to see what kind of oil is in there and I doubt that it would go into details on that.
The interesting part is, so far its colder sitting in the drive thru than on the fwy. Maybe cause it still needs another can. I dunno, we'll see......
Posted: March 12th, 2008, 4:14 pm
by AlisoBob
It probably needs less.... not more.
Its the conversion from a high pressure liquid, to a low pressure gas that induces the cooling effect.
Going, from a high pressure liquid , to a medium pressure gas dosent do much.
I dont remember exactly, but the oils for R12, and 134 are different, and not compatble.
Posted: March 12th, 2008, 6:08 pm
by iggys-amsoil
AlisoBob wrote:It probably needs less.... not more.
The site glass is still cloudy.
Its the conversion from a high pressure liquid, to a low pressure gas that induces the cooling effect.
Ya I know, expantion orfice, or something like that, its been a while.
Going, from a high pressure liquid , to a medium pressure gas dosent do much.
I dont remember exactly, but the oils for R12, and 134 are different, and not compatble.
Glad I didn't go into what if's on that, but ya, something I should of thought about.
Posted: March 12th, 2008, 6:44 pm
by britincali
You need to find out the specs on the system and only put in the right amount of refridgerent. Like bob said overcharging will only cause it not to work.
R134 and R12 will work for a short time but the oil does not mix correctly and will eventually ruin your compressor, the O rings will also get hammered.
I did it once on a supra using the walmart special recharge kit, it lasted about 3 weeks before the compressor said "hell no"

Posted: March 12th, 2008, 11:15 pm
by iggys-amsoil
Well the compressor is already 20 y old. So we'll see. I've heard that there crap anyway. I wouldn't have done it without a spare.
Thanks anyway.
Posted: March 13th, 2008, 3:53 pm
by Blusmbl
It'll be fine...for awhile. Worst case, keep an extra can of 134a in the trunk for when it's leaked out and you want some AC performance again.

Posted: March 14th, 2008, 1:06 am
by M.F.D.B.
Guys are right. The oils are not compatible and will cause cavitation in the pump ruining it in a short time. The o-rings wont last, its like using alcohol in a gas system and vise versa. It works for a "while". O-rings are easy, something I change whenever I charge a system anyways, and flushing the system clean is easy and you should do it when recharging as well...
Lazy ass...

Posted: March 14th, 2008, 3:41 am
by Blusmbl
Plan B: it never rains in California, Arizona or Las Vegas, right? Fire up that sawzall and give yourself some permanent A/C!
After 155k miles, doesn't your honda deserve such a fitting treatment? Nothing says "I love you!" like gold spraypaint purchased from the dollar store!
Posted: March 14th, 2008, 8:11 am
by britincali
^^^^ The owner.....

Posted: March 14th, 2008, 8:56 am
by M.F.D.B.
Posted: March 14th, 2008, 9:38 am
by dannygraves
Posted: March 14th, 2008, 9:46 am
by Blusmbl
Man, huff one can of paint and you're labeled for life...
It was repainted flat black that very same day.

Posted: March 14th, 2008, 9:55 am
by dannygraves
PIMPIN!

Posted: March 14th, 2008, 9:56 am
by dannygraves
when I was in high school before I had my old lincoln painted I let a friend of mine go crazy painting flames on it! it was badass!

Posted: March 14th, 2008, 10:02 am
by britincali
Reminds me of fear and loathing

Posted: March 14th, 2008, 10:10 am
by dannygraves
I watched that movie a couple days ago!!!
when they are driving through the desert toward the airport, that is my neighborhood now!! and it was totally desert in 1998!! HAHA
Posted: March 14th, 2008, 10:11 am
by britincali
That movie's in my top 10 favorites

Posted: March 14th, 2008, 10:54 am
by Kleckner
:LOL: @ the huffer.
That Caddy was the greatest beater car ever. I miss it.
Posted: March 15th, 2008, 4:44 pm
by Blusmbl
dannygraves wrote:I watched that movie a couple days ago!!!
when they are driving through the desert toward the airport, that is my neighborhood now!! and it was totally desert in 1998!! HAHA
That's just insane. It's incredible how places like Vegas have evolved in 10 years. Now anywhere on the strip is a ripoff, even the low-rent hotels are expensive. It costs far more than I'd like to head off in the search of the American Dream, with a case full of multicolored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers.... etc.
I think my single favorite Caddy moment was when Kleckner and I cruised around in a snowstorm, getting all kinds of honks and funny looks on Gratiot Ave.
