shadow Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 I was told my TGP needs the AC to be recharged but I am under the impression that it uses R12 which cannot be used anymore. Is there any other options for people like me with older AC systems? Has anyone been successful using R13 in this car? Thank you for you patience in answering my questions. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meltboy1 Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 ya, you aren't really gona get R12 anymore, I had my old prix converted over to 134A some years ago, I don't know what they use now, but you should be able to get it converted over pretty much anywhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrodolds Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 You can convert to R134a. It isn't as effective, though. Some places still have R12. It's not legal to sell it anymore, I don't think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted To Boost Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 You can buy a R134A conversion kit almost anywhere. You need to install the kit on your car, and take it to a local shop to have the system vacuumed out (this cost me $40 at a local shop). You can then have the shop refill it for you, or you can fill it yourself. I opted to do this myself and used a small 4 ounce can of PAG compressor oil (compressor oil is a must!) along with three cans of R134A refrigerant. The AC is VERY cold with the R134A, I measured it myself and with my AC on full blast, it will get down to 42* in the interior of my TGP on a 90* day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadow Posted March 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 You can buy a R134A conversion kit almost anywhere. You need to install the kit on your car, and take it to a local shop to have the system vacuumed out (this cost me $40 at a local shop). You can then have the shop refill it for you, or you can fill it yourself. I opted to do this myself and used a small 4 ounce can of PAG compressor oil (compressor oil is a must!) along with three cans of R134A refrigerant. The AC is VERY cold with the R134A, I measured it myself and with my AC on full blast, it will get down to 42* in the interior of my TGP on a 90* day. DO I still need to get it vaccumed out if the system is empty of R12? Thanks Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted To Boost Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Yes, because there can still be traces of R12 in the system, and R12 and R134A do NOT get along well when mixed together. Vacuuming out the system will eliminate any contaminants, moisture, and old refrigerant in the system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOT2B GM Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 All that needs to be changed is the high and low side fittings, both beside the turbo. I'm running R134a, and I had to replace my condensor and accumulator so that it would hold the charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Dubya Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 a year ago you could have your car charged with R12 in NY state, I never heard of it becoming illegal here, but you had to have a special license to purchase and install it. I would at least check around, but if it's leaking, it just makes sense to fix it, and then convert because its cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfewtrail Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 R12 is still around, but more scarce, so it's a bit expensive these days. If you're determined to stick with R12, you can probably save some cash by buying it on ebay and then taking your car to a shop that doesn't mind you supplying the refrigerant(most independent shops shouldn't have a problem with it, but some refuse to install customer supplied parts since they don't make as much money that way...). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted2bass Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 Here in NY you can find r12 if you know where to look. You cant get in parts stores anymore. And its also quite expensive i believe....it may be cheaper to jus get it changed to r134. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Dubya Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 yeah not 2 years ago one of the local shops had a major surplus of it and they were selling R12 cheaper per/lb. than we were selling 134. $12-15 lb I think. I almost recharged mine with it but decided against it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian P Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 Pick up Freeze 12, it's a great substitute and no license required to purchase it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadow Posted March 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 Pick up Freeze 12, it's a great substitute and no license required to purchase it. Where can I get this? never heard of it. thx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian P Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 most real auto parts stores, ebay, etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mach 5 Posted March 10, 2008 Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 Yeah, I had that stuff. Its basically R12, just less expansive and easier to get ahold of. I believe Anypart or OnTime Auto Parts (West Islip) has it. I think you can even order it online on the manufacturers website. Jarek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadow Posted March 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2008 Yeah, I had that stuff. Its basically R12, just less expansive and easier to get ahold of. I believe Anypart or OnTime Auto Parts (West Islip) has it. I think you can even order it online on the manufacturers website. Jarek yeah I used to live on Long Island but I wonder if thy have it in Delaware? I am gonna check some parts places tomorrow thx Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trbo31 Posted March 14, 2008 Report Share Posted March 14, 2008 All that stuff or, you can just cancel the ac all for the love of more power less weight. I stripped all the a/c out of mine, all the parts came to about 85 pounds. compresser, condenser(better air to radiater and intercooler) all that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadow Posted March 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2008 I still have been unable to find that freeze 12 stuff at Autozone. I will try advance and pep boys tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry455 Posted March 23, 2008 Report Share Posted March 23, 2008 R 12 is no longer being made , you can still find it but it is getting expensive because it can't be made any more. most places don't like to use "your" stuff because if it is contaminated it could ruin their equipment. freeze 12 I have heard has had some issues as one ingredient is propane so I am not sure if I would use it. I think 1994 or 1995 gm switched over to r 134a so maybe installing some of the newer parts and using 134 might work. I have 134 in my car for three years now and it works fine. a/c places recommend a new accumulator as it also contains a dessicant to absorb moisture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trbo31 Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 At any parts store you can get a 134 conversion kit for $40 or so comes with adapters that screw on to the 12 fittings a hose for charging and a couple cans of 134a and conversion oil. Just let all the pressure out of your system and put it in. I used to work at autozone and we converted alot of cars in the parking lot..for good looking girls!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfewtrail Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Just let all the pressure out of your system and put it in. It's not wise to post something like that. Venting R12(and other refrigerants) is illegal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontiac6KSTEAWD Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Let out the R12, and just put in the R134? You have got to be kidding me? Remind me never to come to your store... Anyways.. Over on the tgpforums, theres a thread about the AC systems on the TGP, and how you can covert the accumlator tank over to a very easy access tank for recharging the system. The fittiings by the turbo are almost imposible to get on for the low side fitting, and the high side fitting is reachable with hand protection if the engine is hot. Check out that thread (sorry no link), and see what you can find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trbo31 Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 once your r12 can,t compresse any more its all disapated and pretty much harmless,I work at an envirnmental clean up service(head fleet mechanic) its not that big o deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett Powered Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 actually the system only has to be 1 lb low to not blow cold anymore. there could be quite a bit more in there. I finally got a tgp with cold blowing ac with r-12!! Im going to get it serviced though just to get fresh oil in it, and definately not converting since obviously dont have to. just want to maintain it. I hope it lasts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadow Posted April 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 I would like to try one of those retrofit kits but I am unsure if they make them anymore? I didnt see any at my local autozone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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