Convert Air Conditioner from R12 to R134

[Silvaire]

...I call the shop that tried to charge it when I first got the plane (before repairs) and he told me he just charges it with R134, but that he has adapters to fit the current valves. I really just don't know that much about it...

...and the shop doesn't either. Putting 134a into an R12 system without doing at least the rudimentary conversion steps such as changing the type of oil will trash the compressor.

 

[Ted]

I was actually an AC tech.

From the technical perspective, you can convert to R-134a easily, and it is pretty trivial. I've done it on over 50 cars.

But you have an airplane. Which means it requires an STC to convert, and that costs money. Probably a lot of money. An R-12 designed system will not work as well on R-134a. Buying R-12 is not difficult to do, you just need to find it. Your mechanic is not an AC tech, find an automotive AC tech to help you with this, that person will have the right tools most likely. Or, get Jesse or me to help with it, because we have all the right tools.