Okay - got my little kit, with a DVD that explains a similar situation (not replacing R12 with Freeze12).

They point out that the older r12 systems have a schraeder-type valve, and that's what's the little adapter they supplied would mate with.

But, the '91 Accord at issue has fittings that look more like pneumatic fittings; like the ones in the DVD that "134a systems have".

Do I need to change the Accord fittings? Get a new adapter for the can?

Forrest

 

Sounds like someone converted the car already? If the fittings on the car look like those found on "air tools" then it is 134, or something????

 

Perhaps you should take a good clear photo if possible.

 

Great idea - here's a photo of the R-12 type nozzle on my Freeze12 kit filler, and the R134a fitting on the low side. Also, a pic of the un-blemished R-12 sticker. I thought a profesional conversion shop was required to re-sticker?

Brother bought the car new; he's sure it was never converted, but he recalls having the AC charged some years ago.

Wonder what's in there? Compressor and dryer look old and original.

The compressor does engage normally; after warmup and running the AC at max for 5 minutes, pressure in there reads "24" by the little gauge that comes with the Freeze12 kit I bought; recharge is anything under 54.

Forrest - confused and sweaty

 

Yeah, that definitely looks like about an inch tall adapter fitting screwed onto the real r12 fitting. I did a search on google images and the r134 fittings look just like that, with threads on the inside. My 93 accord just had a plastic cap over the little R12 fitting. I'm no expert, but I would guess being it has the fitting, is that it probably is already converted, and whoever converted it probably didn't bother with any sort of sticker.

 

If you want cooling to last, I would find the leaks first. Check around the compressor clutch for a dirty/oily ring from oil slung out by compressor seal. Check hose crimps, connections, condensor face for oil/dirt accumulations. If all is dry, the leak is in the evaporator and/or expansion valve. Lots of orings that age and leak.

If you spend some time R&R'ing the system, you can have cooling for a long time.

good luck

 

^2-that puppy has been converted....now to what is the question....freeze 12 or 134?

ALL ac systems leak "some" gas....small amounts over time and it will get low.

To me, you have two things to figure out.

1) What refrig is in there.
2) Is there a "leak" in the system that needs to be repaired?

I think this whole thing started out with the statement about 12 vs 134 and the fact that the seals will leak.

 

The car has been driven perhaps two hundred miles in the last 3-4 years - so I'm not TOO concerned about a leak, seeing as it still has SOME refrigerant.

But how do I tell what's in there? 24 psi of what? And is that R134 adapter screwed to the original R12 filler? That is, is it still there underneath?

Forrest

 

Short answer - it works!

Last post mentioned something about a "R134a adapter screwed on". Hey! That makes sense! I had my buddy with a residential HVAC company direct me to one of his service trucks, and they sucked out all the "whatever" that was in there. Then, I unscrewed the adapter, and sure enough, a Schrader valve under there - but no guts. I thought - hey - could it be the same as a bicycle Schrader valve? So I unscrewed one from an old bicycle tube, and screwed it into the OEM Honda fitting - worked! Then one can of Freeze 12, then the oil, then the leak stopper, then two more cans of Freeze12.

Then off to get the new tires put on - it's a hundred outside, but nice and cool inside!

Forrest

 

Hey - I traded a perfectly good push-mower for the car - though it wasn't self-propelled, and a minister gave it to me in the first place.

Forrest