[88XJSport]

Heres the story. My dad bought the XJ that I drive now back in 1994 from the original owner. When the AC needed a recharge a few years later about 1996 or so, my dad had it charged, but he told be it went warm a few weeks later.

Now the question. Since R12 wasnt in use anymore around 96, and since my dad had it charged at that time, how can i tell if it has been converted to 134? Is there any visual ques? My dad cant remember if they did or not, this is why im asking. Thanks.

[AZ Jeff]

R134a charging fittings have no threads on the outside of them (once the protective cap is removed). R12 fittings are threaded on their outside surface.

[88XJSport]

Originally Posted by AZ Jeff

R134a charging fittings have no threads on the outside of them (once the protective cap is removed). R12 fittings are threaded on their outside surface.

This is the answer I was hoping to get. Thank you.

Unfortunately, It still looks as though I have R12. Im not gonna bother.

[XJLI]

Find some r12

My A/C is arctic cold.

[AlabamaDan]

Just because you don't have the non-treaded connections doesn't neccessarly mean you haven't been converted does it? Could it not be that someone took the adapters back off after the conversion? The only reason I ask is because you definately don't want to mix R12 and R134A

[Saudade]

R-12 is still available. US Federal Law dictates that you must be EPA certified (Sect 609) to purchase R-12 (I am). Most AC shops can still get it but it's expensive. You can still find it on eBay.

It's certainly possible but unlikely (IMO) that someone would remove the adapters after conversion. R-134a is a lot cheaper and easier to get than R-12. Once you make the conversion, there's no real benefit to going back.

[oldmanriver]

I was under the impression that you just needed to swap all the a/c lines to "barrier type" to convert to 134? Dunno if that includes the fittings. Also if it was retrofitted to 134 by a professional then I'm pretty sure they have to put a sticker somewhere stating so.

Either way, if you have r12 I'd keep it. If you enjoy your ac as much as I do it's worth it

[AZ Jeff]

Originally Posted by oldmanriver

I was under the impression that you just needed to swap all the a/c lines to "barrier type" to convert to 134? Dunno if that includes the fittings. Also if it was retrofitted to 134 by a professional then I'm pretty sure they have to put a sticker somewhere stating so.

Either way, if you have r12 I'd keep it. If you enjoy your ac as much as I do it's worth it

THe barrier type hoses have been used since the early 90's (BEFORE the conversion to R12 became mandatory).

For those systems without the barrier, if the hoses are old (and thus oil soaked from the inside), the OIL forms a barrier, and thus replacing the hoses is typically NOT needed.

[88XJSport]

Originally Posted by XJLI

Find some r12

My A/C is arctic cold.

When mine got charged back in 96, it stopped blowing cold within days. In other words I dont know what that compressor would do if it ever engaged, after 12 years of inactivity.