Introduction of R134a A/C refrigerant in Australia?

[tygersmoke]

Hi,

I just bought a 1993 Tarago (03/93 build). The decal describing the A/C gas type has had the lettering rubbed away. Does anyone know when R134a type gas was introduced in these models? The previous owner had it from new and had no work done on the aircon, so I am assuming the original gas type is still in the system.

Thanks and regards,

Phil

Edited February 20, 2011 by tygersmoke

[trentmeyer23]

The changeover was around 1992/1993. My 02/93 Camry has R134a from factory. Look on the vehicle and in the owners manual for more info.

[01 VEY]

You can generally tell if it is R12 or R134 by the Re-gas valves. The original R12 valves are similar to a normal car tire valve only a bit bigger. The R134 charge ports are a larger snap-on fitting with a plastic cap which screws into the internal thread in the valve housing.

The following link shows the R134A adaptor

http://www.specialtauto.com/delorean-parts/images/AC-adapter-R12-R134aA-strai.jpg

The next link shows the R12 original fitting as a 90 degree adaptor

http://www.specialtauto.com/delorean-parts/images/AC-adapter-R12F-to-R12M-90-.jpg

Hope this helps

Regards

[tygersmoke]

Thanks Trent,

It sounds like there was no firm changeover date; using O1 Vey's advice re charge ports, this is an R12 vehicle.

Unfortunately, the car came with no documentation or manuals, and as I mention, the sticker that showed gas type has been rubbed clean of writing.

Thanks for the info.,

Phil

The changeover was around 1992/1993. My 02/93 Camry has R134a from factory. Look on the vehicle and in the owners manual for more info.

[tygersmoke]

You can generally tell if it is R12 or R134 by the Re-gas valves. The original R12 valves are similar to a normal car tire valve only a bit bigger. The R134 charge ports are a larger snap-on fitting with a plastic cap which screws into the internal thread in the valve housing.

Thanks 01 VEY,

Judging by that, this is an R12 vehicle.

The reason I ask is that I have a new compressor to fit to the car, and my mechanic only has R134a and is recommending a retrofit. I have had a nightmare of a time when I did that with my '92 Lexus, and don't want to repeat that. I have a friend who has a stock of the old R12, so I will proceed in that direction.

Thanks for your help,

Phil

[01 VEY]

Hey Phil

There may be a problem using R12 in a new compressor. The oil in the compressor may not be compatible with the original oil in your system. This could cause the oil to turn into a sticky gel and very quickly destroy your compressor. After the compressor implodes there will be a rather major mess to clear out from the whole system. ie metal filings and the gooey blend of PAG oil and ESTER oil.

Please spend the small amount extra and get it converted.

BTW the R12 gas has been ILLEGAL for many years due to it's ability to displace ozone in the upper atmospere.(approx 7 times the volume at normal atmospheric pressure. There's always a good reason that stuff like this is outlawed.

Regards

Mark

Edited February 21, 2011 by 01 VEY

[tygersmoke]

Hi Mark,

I'd come to the same conclusion regarding the new compressor and it's oil, so I'll change over as many o-rings as I can get to and hope for the best with R134a!

Re the use of R12, it's my understanding that is illegal to buy and sell it without a license. It's also illegal to install it in a system that wasn't already fitted with it; additioanlly it's illegal to install it in an existing R12 sytem without a license. My friend is a commercial refrigeration mechanic and assured me he is licensed to use the product. Anyway, it's all moot because I'm going to take a punt on converting to R134a.

Thanks for your help with this; it's helped me come back around 360 degrees to converting to the new gas,

Phil

Hey Phil

There may be a problem using R12 in a new compressor. The oil in the compressor may not be compatible with the original oil in your system. This could cause the oil to turn into a sticky gel and very quickly destroy your compressor. After the compressor implodes there will be a rather major mess to clear out from the whole system. ie metal filings and the gooey blend of PAG oil and ESTER oil.

Please spend the small amount extra and get it converted.

BTW the R12 gas has been ILLEGAL for many years due to it's ability to displace ozone in the upper atmospere.(approx 7 times the volume at normal atmospheric pressure. There's always a good reason that stuff like this is outlawed.

Regards

Mark