AUTO AC: Convert from R12 to R134a or FREEZE 12 ??

[jddenham]

I have seen kits at Walmart pretty cheap for converting from R12 to R134a. I was surfing eBay today and saw a new product called Freeze 12. It looks like a better alternative.

Has anyone here converted to either or have any knowledge of Freeze 12?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: AUTO AC: Convert from R12 to R134a or FREEZE 12 ??

I did the r 134a in my old 84 ford bronco and it worked great. The refill cans are available anywhere and cheap. I have not heard of the freeze 12. Go with what is available most anywhere to keep things easy.

 

[guy74]

Re: AUTO AC: Convert from R12 to R134a or FREEZE 12 ??

When I convert an R12 system I take into account what type of compressor the system uses. In a system with a rotory compresser I use R134A, with an upright 2 piston (york style) compressor I use a product like freeze 12. The york style compressers are harder to hold the gaskets on, and R134A has a significantly higher operating pressure. I had head gaskets, base gaskets, bearing retainer gaskets all fail on the york type compressors converted with R134A, but no problems with the rotary type compressors with the R134A. I used freeze 12 for a while, it runs at alot lower opreating pressure, and had no problems with the york type compressors with it. I am now using a different product, very simular to freeze 12, but I could get it in 30lb tanks. I maintain 12 a/c units on our own farm equipment 5 of which are the york type compressor systems. If the one you want to convert is a rotary type compressor I'd reccomend using R134A as it is cheaper and easier to obtain anywhere.

 

[jddenham]

Re: AUTO AC: Convert from R12 to R134a or FREEZE 12 ??

What style of compressor is this?

What components need cleaned and or replaced to do the change over?

I'm leaning toward the Freeze 12, ebay # 150227087873. Any reason not to use this besides availability?

 

[guy74]

Re: AUTO AC: Convert from R12 to R134a or FREEZE 12 ??

It's hard to see in your picture, but I think it is a rotary type compressor. On automotive applications I take every hose off and flush them, along with the condensor, and evaporator. You either have to replace the compressor, or at least change out the oil in it to an oil that is compatible with what you are going to use. Replace the expansion valve( or orfice), and put the system back together with new O-rings. I will add, the only downside to R134A that I've experienced over the last 15 years that I've used it, is the higher pressures. I've heard the talk of eating compressors, corroding aluminum, but I have never seen any of it. My advice is use whatever you want to, the price difference isn't gonna matter much in your case, I use almost a 30lb can of both of them each year. R134A= $77.84 per 30lbs, Freeze 12= $205.50 per 23.6lbs. Those are my reasons, with any problem along 45-50 ft of hose in an industrial A/C, I normally get to put in 2-4 lbs when I fix the leak.
Goodluck,
Brian

 

[newbie4life]

Re: AUTO AC: Convert from R12 to R134a or FREEZE 12 ??

Looks like a Harrison A/C unit.

I've used 134a in my stuff, for years. Never had any issues... the best part to me is I can buy more cans anywhere for about $5 a can.

When I convert, I usually buy the kit, so I can get the oil, and leak tester too.... around $25 or $30 for the kit.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: AUTO AC: Convert from R12 to R134a or FREEZE 12 ??

R134a is very easy to get. Not sure about the Freeze 12 since my supplier doesn't carry it yet or has no reason to.

Keep in mind that R134a's oil is a moisture magnet. Failures using this gas is usually due to moisture intrusion. A system that has been opened for over 15 min is drawing enough moisture into the oil to cause premature failures. Just be sure to evacuate the system of all the old contaminants/oil. Just my 2 cents worth........SS