Coverting R12 to R134, who's happy?

[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.

[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..

[slo325i]

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

[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.

[Eric Giles]

If you have r12, stick with it.

[ak-]

I have R134. R12 blows very noticeably colder.

/myexperience.

[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?