Aircon recharge - which gas, R12 or R134a?

[Sanity Clause]

I've just got a JDM Levin on the road, which appears to need the aircon regassing.
I don't know which gas is in there, but presume it to be the original R12 (Freon based) variety, which is not legal in the UK any more.
However, I have been told about a place near me who'll sort it.

I think it'd be a good idea to replace it with the later R134a type gas, if possible.

From what I've read here http://www.airconditioningforcars.co.uk/ACpage15.htm there's a good chance that the R143a will be OK.

Does anyone know if the AE86 compressor copes OK?

[Gtsi-R]

the gasses are NOT exchangeable..

due to different composition of material like rubbers etc.


that is for so far as I know.. so make sure witch type you have!!

[Sanity Clause]

According to the link above, the original fears of incompatibility appear overdone, and many old aircon systems will work happily with the new R143a gas.

Is that so for the AE86?

[Gtsi-R]

Quote: Some of the rubber hoses used on cars from the eighties or earlier are definitely a little leaky with the smaller molecule of R134a or the drop-in refrigerants so may cut down slightly on the length of time they are able to retain the charge.


Early cars sometimes have hoses which are not completely impervious to R134a, these can sometimes be changed but where it is not really possible the reality is frequently that the loss is fairly inconsequential anyway.

According to this... give it a shot...

[Sanity Clause]

That's my thinking, too.

It'd be nice to know if anyone has any experiences they'd like to share.

[projectrollas]

have no fear my friend. it is ok to use the R134a w/your compressor.
i would recommend that you replace the rubber hoses that are compatible with R134a. and you will also need some adapters to be able to charge the system w/R134a. if you use R134a w/the hoses you have now, it will seep through in the long run.
its a shame R12 is gone, it blows allot colder than R134a.

[Sanity Clause]

Thanks, that's good to know.

I read that the molecules of R134a are smaller than that of R12, and that's why they can seep through the hoses slightly quicker. I guess that's why aircon needs regassing every now and then.

Looking at the parts CD, the 2 hoses on this model were originally p/ns
88711-12341 (discharge hose)
88712-12590 (suction hose)

Presumably, these aren't exactly suitable for R134a, though.

I'll have to do some checking around some aircon places to see what can be supplied, if anything.

[projectrollas]

no problem. but yeah your right about the molecules. toyota should carry some kind of upgrade kit. gl on your search.

[F0Bman]

R12a

[projectrollas]

if you read, he need to recharge his system. R12 is not a choice since its not legal where he is at.