R-12 to R134a Retrofit

[78 280zcar]

Has anyone on this site ever tried this retrofit kit to change the refrigerent type. I just bought a Castrol cool air kit that has everything but I wanted to see if anyone has done it before I even ettemp too Thanks

[Fun_in_my_z]

After you paid for it you asked? A little late dont ya think .

I would like to find out more about this myself

[ChrisA]

I've never done it on a Z but many times on other vehicles. I would suggest if your car has a receiver/drier you change it. It will be your best defense against contaminating the new R134 charge with remnants of the old R12 oil and charge. I might also recommend removing the compressor and draining as much of the R12 oil out that you can. Then put in the recommended amount of R134 compressor oil. Can you tell us what's in the Castrol kit. I'm curious.

Much luck,

Chris

[78 280zcar]

Came to find out that the only ports on my Z are the ports on the back of the commpressor and I called kragen and they said that I will have to find the ports that are on the A/C lines, there is no ports on the A/C lines! :surprised . There is suppose to be high and low side ports is what the guy at kragen was saying so I dont know.

What comes with the kit is One 12 ounce can of R-134a refrigerent, 2 12 ounce cans of R-134a Oil charge for retrofit which includes Leak stop and Leak detector, Three R-134a service port adaptors for 1977 and newer vehicles, One R-134a charging hose and instructions but not very helpful instructions.

[TBK1]

Return it and get your money back, then go find some 414B (HOTSHOT) or RB276 Freeze 12 and dont change anything else!

[hls30.com]

Ifr you really want to make this conversion,

The ports on the compressor are a high and a low(suction). They are the same ports, just in a different place.

There are "solder(even bolt) on on then tighten a screw, then remove the screw" fittings to add ports to lines(available from large plumbing houses and AC parts distributors), or replace your lines with those from a 77-78 Z that came standard with the fittings.

Will

[sblake01]

If your 'ports' (actually called Shrader valves) are on the back of your compressor on a 78 you probably have non-factory dealer installed air. I really wouldnt suggest the R134a conversion for a system that old because you're sure to have problems due to the higher pressures that R134a creates in your system. TBK1 is right about R414b as it will go into a R12 system without doing a retrofit. I have had it in both of my old Datsuns for some time now and have had no problems. I just flushed the systems, vacuumed them down and filled them. No changing of the Shrader valves or any other components other than a couple of leaky hoses on the Z. I have no experience with FR-12 but I hear that it works equally well. The one deterrent to these other refrigerants is that you need to be EPA certified (which I am) to purchase them.

[78 280zcar]

I just called an air conditioning shop and he told me it would cost around 200.00 to refill and do all sorts of tests on the car to make sure it would run smooth. I am just going to sell this kit I got back on ebay and go to a shop. Thanks for the replys, very helpful. but it is too hot 102 degrees over here and I work in the sun :sick: but thanks guys.

[78 280zcar]

went to do a search on ebay and found this,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33543&item=7948297866&sspagename=WD1V#ebayphotohosting

Anyone ever tried this stuff

[TBK1]

Yes but look at the NOTE, you must provide proof of certification, either 608 or 609!!

surely there is someone close by, im in upstate SC but it aint been 102 anywhere close to here!!

[sblake01]

went to do a search on ebay and found this,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33543&item=7948297866&sspagename=WD1V#ebayphotohosting

Anyone ever tried this stuff

That's what I have in my cars. Works great for well over a year now in the Z and about 7 month in the 810 with no problems. Cooler than R12. I use a 25lb cylinder and a manifold to charge it and I didn't have to adapt the Shrader valves. But like I mentioned before, I'm not a fan of the small cans. But you do need an EPA cert to buy it.