Subject: Converting from R12 to R134a

[Christopher Ritchie]

>In a previous e-mail I asked about recharging my AC. Well, I've been =
>think about having it converted to R134a. My local independent mechanic =
>says he can do it for around $500, including all parts and labor. I'm =
>not a great mechanic myself, so anything of this magnitude I'd let him =
>do. So, is $500 reasonable to a conversion to 134a? Anyone done it to =
>their Audi? Anyone done it to their Coupe GT?  How well does it cool =
>now? I know 134a isn't as efficient but does it still cool decently? =
>Anyone BTDT?


Conversion means different things to different people.  What's he replacing 
in this conversion?  When you know that, you can judge whether the price is 
fair.  It's at least a few hours labor.  Parts, at a minimum, are around 
$100.  Is he going to remove and drain the compressor?  I assume something's 
leaking, so does the price include fixing what's leaking?  Is he replacing 
hoses?  "O"-rings?  He should replace the drier/reservoir ($25-$40).

It's generally considered that R-134a is about 10% less effective than R-12. 
  If your system has a 10% or more margin in it (most do), then you 
shouldn't notice.  Fully charged, the converted system in my '88 5KS will 
put out low 40s F at idle on a 90 F day.

How much is an R-12 refill?  $120+?  How long would you expect the R-12 to 
last?

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