A/C conversion to new style refrigerant.

The refrigerant in my 93 Mustang is low and the R12 is getting hard to find. What is involved in converting to the new style refrigerant? I have asked a couple shops and got totally different answers so I was hoping we would have an expert on here that could help me out.

Jason, I have done several on my own and a few friends cars. To do it right you should replace the dryer, remove the compressor and drain and measure the oil and replace any hoses that have mufflers on them, then flush the rest of the system with an A/C system flush, there are aerosol versions available at NAPA. If you choose this method, keep track of the oil in the compressor and dryer and add it to the system before you recharge it. What I've done my self to older, high mileage cars is evacuate the R-12, check that the system will hold a vacuum and if it does change the dryer, change the fittings, pull a vacuum for at least 30 but no more than 45 minutes and if it holds fill it with the required amount of R-134 A and a couple of ounces of oil that is compatible with the R-12 system oil (I like to add a can of leak seal, if you do this forget about adding the oil it's in the can with the leak seal. My 88 F-150 with an after market dealer installed A/C system has worked trouble free for 4 years using the low dough method. It's not to hard, just follow the directions and you should be blowing cold air in no time.

We use R-414b. Directly replaces R-12

whatbumper wrote:We use R-414b. Directly replaces R-12

Do you have to flush the system or can you just top up what you have?

I would get a shop to pull the old refrigerant out but you can reuse the oil and everything.

Jason, I've done this several times on semis and tractors. I just put on the retro fittings and add the 134. I've had no issues whatsoever doing this. Simple and effective.

I've used Redtek for many years on my farm tractors and trucks. My tractors are old and don't hold a charge very well, and I hated leaking R12 into the air, and having to wait and pay for a service call, so I started using it. It works well, been using it for around 10 years, and never had a problem yet.