I have a 92 RRC LSE with 178k. The AC was never converted, after a little research I confirmed that nothing cools like R-12; however it is very expensive. So... I grew some big ones and decided to recharge with R-12. Found a very very slow leak in the compressor. I plan on recapturing the remaining freon and want to replace the compressor. Here are the question(s) of the hour...

Should I stay with R12 and what other components should I replace, preventatively, to ensure troublefree operation given the mileage?????

Thanks

 

I'm not an expert but went through this 12 months ago, here is what I learnt.

In Australia R-12 is outlawed 134a is the standard, there is some LPG based flamable alternatives around but info I had was that with the hype on the hole in the Ozone layer and part of the blame being put onto these types of gasses they would all be phased out in favour of 134a so filling with 134a will be cheaper and found more convenientlyif you ever need a top up.

There is also some concern with risk of explosion in the event of an accident with LPG based gases but I think this is minimal especially as many people run vehicles on LPGand have a huge (80 litre) tank in the rear trunk.

If you change gas you should also replace the dryer, and O rings and flush the system to remove the old oil before regassing and new compatableoil, you may find that new compressors are marked 134a only.

Hope this helps.

 

I would personally fix the leak and add the R12. prices are coming down for equivalint products, find someone who specializes in that field and ask..hell ask as many as you can find..just fix the problem of leaking before you keep adding refrigerant...the R12 cools very very well. If you decide to convert, plan on spending more money. In my opinion you will have lesser quality cooling with more money put in, eveyone is entitled to an opinion..but thats what I did, and I feel great about it.