Older pop machine R12 to R134a conversion

mrsodapop

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Hi all,
I have converted a few older pop machines from R12 to R134a that included replacing the compressor, and all are still in service doing well. I would like to know if anyone has converted one with out replacing the compressor? If so what was your procedure?
Thanks
Aaron
 
Its not recommended to convert a R-12 compressor to R134A. 134A runs at a higher pressure and will burn out an older compressor pretty quick. I have used Freeze 12 or other 12 substitutes.
 
if thsads anything at all like a car system, easy as hell..

Vacuum the system well. COnvert fittings to r134a ( if your machiner has the screw fittings you can go to autozone etc and get r134a fittings that screw right on.


then vac again ADD OIL and recharge. Use about 80-85% as much r134 vs 100% r2 if that makes sense. Basically dont use as much r134 as you would if you were going to use r12. DOING THE 85% TRICK KEEPS THE PRESSURES NEAR THE SAME AS THEY WOULD BE IS YOU USED R12.


The truck is using oil thats synthetic and saompatible with anything, like bgs frigi quiet

http://www.economycarcarecenter.com/bg_climate_battery_products.html
 
Last edited:
Hi all,
I have converted a few older pop machines from R12 to R134a that included replacing the compressor, and all are still in service doing well. I would like to know if anyone has converted one with out replacing the compressor? If so what was your procedure?
Thanks
Aaron

i have added 134a to about 60 machines over the last 10 years and had maybe 4 go bad whos to say they were not on the way out anyway? Ron
 
Thanks for the info guys. I think I 'll use this one as an experiment and try Cadillacman's advice. I'll check back later with results. If compressor fries, than I'll just replace it(it's 40+ years old).
Thanks
Aaron
 
dont forget to clean out the condendor coils and stuff while your there.. thatll help keep the high side pressure down some too

If you get the conversion fittings from autozone dont forget to take the schrader valves out of the old fittings before screwing the new adapter fittings on top..
 
Just a quick update. Converted to 134a over a week ago and machine is still running fine and ice cold.
Thanks for everyone's input
Aaron
 
I would have to say it's around 80-90%. It is a 12oz(R12) system, got a 12oz can of R134a/oil and did not use it all. I kept a close watch on the (low side) gauge.
Aaron
 
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