Celica Forums - Celispeed.com - View Single Post - Need to convert my 86 GTS from R12 to R13

**kiasis** · 06-27-2008, 06:02 PM

I'm no expert, but have talked to a couple repair shops about this, as I was considering the same. For starters, I can't find any mechanic who thinks the 134a is better in terms of cooling. And if your system is in good shape, you're not leaking CFC's into the atmosphere. In other words, if it ain't busted, don't fix it. That's the story I got.

If you do decide to swap it over, I know you have to replace all gaskets, o-rings and seals, as the 134a is not compatible w/ the R12 and will chew up the rubber parts. You also have to run a cleaner agent through the system to remove all traces of the R12 or else the 134a will 'sludge-up.' Then you're replacing the compressor - not cheap. I don't know the name of the cleaning agent, but your local AC shop (if they're not dicks) should be helpful. I'm not sure if changing out the drier is required. I recall someone telling me you can't clean the R12 out of it, but another shop not mentioning it as part of the swap over.

I don't know of a kit, but check out RockAuto.com and see what they have or price the individual parts I mention above. However, I'm not sure how you'll evacuate the R12 safely at home. And, at least where I am, only a State-certified shop can work w/ R12 and has lots of specialty equipment not available for the DIY to purchase.

I got quoted about $250-$300 for the change over and system charge. However, I'm in Sacramento, CA and everything around here is more expensive.

Hey, were in Western Mass? I grew up in Maine and did a year at Northfield Mount Hermon. You anywhere around that? I miss W Mass. Gorgeous country.

06-27-2008, 06:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
kiasis Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 57 Join Date: Aug 2007 Last On: 10-11-2008 02:12 PM Vehicle: 88GTS	Re: Need to convert my 86 GTS from R12 to R13 I'm no expert, but have talked to a couple repair shops about this, as I was considering the same. For starters, I can't find any mechanic who thinks the 134a is better in terms of cooling. And if your system is in good shape, you're not leaking CFC's into the atmosphere. In other words, if it ain't busted, don't fix it. That's the story I got. If you do decide to swap it over, I know you have to replace all gaskets, o-rings and seals, as the 134a is not compatible w/ the R12 and will chew up the rubber parts. You also have to run a cleaner agent through the system to remove all traces of the R12 or else the 134a will 'sludge-up.' Then you're replacing the compressor - not cheap. I don't know the name of the cleaning agent, but your local AC shop (if they're not dicks) should be helpful. I'm not sure if changing out the drier is required. I recall someone telling me you can't clean the R12 out of it, but another shop not mentioning it as part of the swap over. I don't know of a kit, but check out RockAuto.com and see what they have or price the individual parts I mention above. However, I'm not sure how you'll evacuate the R12 safely at home. And, at least where I am, only a State-certified shop can work w/ R12 and has lots of specialty equipment not available for the DIY to purchase. I got quoted about $250-$300 for the change over and system charge. However, I'm in Sacramento, CA and everything around here is more expensive. Hey, were in Western Mass? I grew up in Maine and did a year at Northfield Mount Hermon. You anywhere around that? I miss W Mass. Gorgeous country.