R-134 conversion

[7277]

hey all,

has anyone done the A/C refrigerant conversion. if so, what is entailed? any aftermarket suppliers...good/bad.

also, anyone in NJ do this type of work?

i have a 77Z. the system runs fine, (on/off switch just broke today...see classifieds!) but i see a lot of foam/air flowing through the site glass in the receiver/drier. it seems to just need a charge, but i know the R-12 is NLA.

thanks!!!

[sblake01]

R12 is not NLA, just very expensive. I would suggest Johnsen's Freeze 12. It's the best R12 replacemant I've found. Been running it for a couple of years now in both my 78 280 non factory system and my 79 810 factory syste. R134a will cause problems in your R12 system. Trust me on that (see line #5 in my sig.). We've discussed that many times on this site. Unfortunately, I an nowhere near NJ. What part of your switch broke? The knob? The capillary tube?

[7277]

hey sblake, thanks for the note.

the switch does nothing when i turn it. it doesn't 'click' when turning from 'off' to 'on'.

where can i find Johnsens freeze 12? i guess i would have to have an A/C mechanic or the like do the charging and reclaimation of the old r-12

[7277]

hey sblake: hit the search button again and found a long post on all of the refrigerants...i'll make some calls to local shops. thanks for the advice )

[sblake01]

I buy it from Lenz Distributing but your AC tech should have access to it. Does he have R-12? It's pricey but you only need a couple of lbs. @$20-30 per lb. Thats cosidrably more than R134a but better for your system in the long run. Your best bet would be to have him check the system and make sure there's no leaks. I'll check tomorrow to see if I can find one of those switches.

[DatsunZGuy]

Here's a post I did a few years ago which has a link to some Freeze 12:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showpost.php?p=133514&postcount=2

I just tested the URL and it still works!

[sblake01]

Lenz Distrubuting is much more reasonable. Look for Freeze 12 on that site and not FR12. Two different things. Freeze 12 is all refrigerant and FR12 contains hydrocarbons.

[7277]

thanks guys.

sblake: thanks for switch if you can find one )

i'll keep you posted after i talk to a couple of shops..

[sblake01]

My supplier in Ontario, Ca. has that switch but he says any AC shop should be able to get them implying that it's a fairly standard item and the only difference being the length of the capillary tube which I believe is about 18" for the 280 setup. The price is about $33. Check with your local shop. That'll save you the postage.