Off topic but since this group has an enormous experience depository on tap I figured I'd ask it here. I've got a 86 Pontiac Sunbird that has been sitting for a couple of years and while in the process of getting it road worthy again, was getting 30+ mpg and what with gas over 2 bucks a gal..., I noticed that the AC is not working. This weekend I'm going to get any r12 recovered and the system vacuum checked but I have a question. If the system doesn't show signs of a leak, meaning the r12 leaked out through the hoses I'm considering just refilling it and going from there, but, if I find a leak in something like a hose or condenser I'm considering doing a refit to r34a since I'll be replaceing parts anyway. I've seen all kinds of info saying 'dont do it' or 'it worked fine for me' and 'aint as cold anymore' but I still am sitting on the fence. One of the main reasons for switching was price but since r134 has goon through the roof at present, price isn't a consideration right now. I did consider that if I switched to r134 then future problems could be dealt with in the driveway instead of having to drive to my brothers shop to fix and recharge and if I had a slow leak I might get away with just putting a 'hotshot' can in once a year or so to top off. I know I can get the 609 license for r12 for about 20 bucks online but still not sure if I could get the smaller bottles of r12 anymore even with that. I looked at the retrofit kits in the stores and it looks rather simple and I also looked at the info in the Mitchell Auto repair software and it had a tech bulletin indicating that the original hoses and o-rings were compatable with the r134. I'm thinking that a flush of the evaporator, condensor and pump to get rid of the mineral oil and then pull a vacuum for 30 to 40 minutes to flush out and moisture and refill with r134 shouldn't be too hard. Anyone out there done any of these conversions? Any suggestions??
Bill