Coverting R12 to R134, who's happy?

[91 318is]

So I need to service my A/C in the E30. I was considering changing it over to R134 just to freshen it up. I have access to R12, but it's easier for me just to buy R134 cans at the store.

So my question is, who's converted their cars and is happy? I've read that a few people felt the R12 worked out better because of the way the system's designed? I plan on changing the drier, expansion valve and of course the adapters.

Should I just service it with R12 and ride on?


Comment?

[ak-]

I have R134. R12 blows very noticeably colder.

/myexperience.

[Eric Giles]

If you have r12, stick with it.

[91 318is]

Yeah I can get the R12, it would be kind of a hassle I think, but I can definitely get it.

Just figured for the long run, R134 would be a better choice.

[slo325i]

I have freeze-12 in mine and I love it. It gets COLD even in the hot Atlanta weather

[jlevie]

The problem with R134 in these cars is that the condenser and evaporator aren't large enough for effective cooling. The system will work, it just won't cool nearly as well with R134 as with R12. I've seen a couple of conversions using R12 replacements (e.g. Freeze12 or similar) that worked much better than R134. That said if your system isn't leaky, it would make sense to retain the R12 until the system needs works and the R12 has to be dumped..

[nrubenstein]

With the aid fan rigged to high, R134a works fairly well in my car.

Here's the key: you MUST fill by weight. This means that you need a postal scale, and preferably a 30lbs. cylinder. Apparently, R12 works well a half pound to either side of optimal. R134a works well about 1.5 ounces to the side, so you have to be VERY precise.

[KenC]

I'd do whatever you can to get the R-12. You're only recharging it once every 5+ years, so the "convenience" of the r134a availability is really moot.

[evil_twin]

Im looking for Freeze12 and I can't find it anywhere. I would love to put Freeze12 in my system, but R134 is just so much easier to find.

[Tbolt]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GQ0QQO/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?ie=UTF8&cloe_id=0e9f054a-fef1-4a4d-82c7-cc673be66fc9&attrMsgId=LPWidget-A1&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001DKNEAE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=04T00E2S39CF83A4YQT5

will this work with e30s?

would i need anything else?

[hoveringuy]

The problem with R134 in these cars is that the condenser and evaporator aren't large enough for effective cooling. The system will work, it just won't cool nearly as well with R134 as with R12. I've seen a couple of conversions using R12 replacements (e.g. Freeze12 or similar) that worked much better than R134. That said if your system isn't leaky, it would make sense to retain the R12 until the system needs works and the R12 has to be dumped..

+1.

I lived in Maryland and ran Duracool (same as Freeze12). Car blew cold air unless I was stuck in really miserable beltway traffic.

R134 didn't cut it. Condensor is just too small!

Stick with R12 if possible.

[91 318is]

Hmmm, are there any R12 substitutes at local parts stores like advance auto or NAPA? Or do I need to order Freeze 12 online? I don't think I have any leaks because the A/C works, it's just not very cold.

[PorkandBeans]

With the aid fan rigged to high, R134a works fairly well in my car.

How did you do this? My low speed resistor is out and my car never gets hot enough to kick the aux fan on high speed. I want it on high at all times the A/C/ is on. Do I just remove the resistor entirely?

[nrubenstein]

How did you do this? My low speed resistor is out and my car never gets hot enough to kick the aux fan on high speed. I want it on high at all times the A/C/ is on. Do I just remove the resistor entirely?

Change the fuse to 30 amps and bypass the resistor. You can splice the low wire to the high, or you can jump a wire across. It's very easy, and it makes the ac work a LOT better.

[PorkandBeans]

Change the fuse to 30 amps and bypass the resistor. You can splice the low wire to the high, or you can jump a wire across. It's very easy, and it makes the ac work a LOT better.

I was just about to do this, tracking down a new resistor is pointless. Thanks for the confirmation. Fuse 3, right?