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GMC_guy
New User
Jul 5, 2014, 12:32 PM
Post #1 of 10
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r12 to 134a conversion
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I have a 92 GMC Pickup 5.0 engine. My old AC failed and I'm putting in new parts. My problem, the threads on the new 134a retrofit condenser will not fit the hose connections from the orginal system. They are "technically" 1/2 inch but I've found there are 3 1/2" sizes. From small to large 1/2 compression - 1/2 flare - 1/2 standard The orginal fitting is 1/2 flare, the retrofit comes with 1/2 standard (about 30 thousandths bigger). Has anyone solved this problem?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 5, 2014, 12:46 PM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: r12 to 134a conversion
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Can you return that condenser? It would be fair to good with a good OE tube and fin and leave condenser alone on a pick-up there's so little area to cool it would be fine for most folks with a less than very efficient condenser. You lose perhaps 20% of the OE perfect BTU with the OE stuff and can just get a very HD fan clutch and probably not notice at all,
T
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GMC_guy
New User
Jul 5, 2014, 2:10 PM
Post #3 of 10
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Re: r12 to 134a conversion
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It's not that I want to return the new condenser; it's that I need a way to use it and to know if anyone else has had this problem? My old OE condenser is ruined. I assumed a new one would work best so I chose the 134a retrofit condenser. I have bought 2 different 134a condensers and they both have the (high/low) threads too large. I need an adapter source and to know if this is a common problem.
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 5, 2014, 2:29 PM
Post #4 of 10
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Re: r12 to 134a conversion
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Call a local shop that specializes in AC work. They either have the adapters to sell you directly or would know of who to get them from.
I would suggest replacing those hoses too. They are 22 years old and not designed for 134a. R-12 has bigger molecules and hoses designed to use it have a bad habit of leaking right through them when you convert to 134a. The new ones may have the right ends on them to work with the new condenser.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 5, 2014, 2:47 PM
Post #5 of 10
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Re: r12 to 134a conversion
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If the condenser has the wrong size fittings, then it is the wrong condenser, plain and simple. Get the right one.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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GMC_guy
New User
Jul 5, 2014, 3:23 PM
Post #6 of 10
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Re: r12 to 134a conversion
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Two different auto parts suppliers sold me those condensers with the wrong size fittings. I gave both of them the year, make, model, engine size and both have the threads too large. Can you explain that?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 5, 2014, 3:26 PM
Post #7 of 10
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Re: r12 to 134a conversion
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Yes, you have the wrong condenser for whatever reason. It happens. Try an year newer of a year older. We face problems like this every day.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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GMC_guy
New User
Jul 5, 2014, 3:31 PM
Post #8 of 10
(2069 views)
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Re: r12 to 134a conversion
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I asked at Autozone for hoses that might fit the 134a retrofit compressor. I was told they only come in one size. I'll try AC repair shops at some point in the future.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 5, 2014, 3:59 PM
Post #9 of 10
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Re: r12 to 134a conversion
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Thwere is no such thing as a "retrofit compressor" or a "retrofit condenser". The replacement parts are the same either way. If the parts don't match up, you have the wrong parts.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 5, 2014, 9:11 PM
Post #10 of 10
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Re: r12 to 134a conversion
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Quick read the new posts. If you get any new condenser now it will be of a more efficient type not likely like the OE tube and fin if that was still there at all. It may have already been fudge in with something?
New ones for pre 134a vehicles used to state reduce OE system known capacity and were more suitable for 134a or still worked with R-12 if you kept it with that. Several new vehicles didn't change the components at all for a couple years when the switch to 134a happened in 1993 which could come with either on some models.
It's a truck. Parts should just fit without a fight unless screwed up before.
Been done with all this a loooong time already. Still use as primary car something a few years older than this OE on R-12 and if needed will convert but don't need to yet anyway. Many similar worked fine with OE parts as said back several posts. Cars rust out fast here so none that I know of in any day to day use now using R-12 anymore.
Most were leakers and price alone folks would do the swap now ages ago just for that and the next leak(s) coming or some component needed. As said the rust wins if you use a vehicle year round here (MA) so they are gone now mostly OR not fixed at all just for A/C. Gets hot here too just not as long as other places,
T
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