1991 Lexus LS 400 R12 vs R134A Refrigerant

[quote:677d19cb18="wyoherbty"]Air Conditioning problem
1991 Lexus LS 400 V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 257000 miles

I was told by an AC shop that I needed to convert from the R12 OEM AC system to the R134A refrigerant. Is that correct? I got a quote of $169.00 with only an assurance that it would only last through the FL summer heat until next fall. He said that I have a leak in the compressor?

Toyota will recharge with the orignal R12 refrigerant.

What are the plus' and minus' with R12 vs. R134A?

Thank you!

Herb[/quote:677d19cb18]

Hi Herb,

I don't know what the shop is planning on doing for only $169. But to convert you have to replace a few things and the cost would be about $1000. Which in the long run is worth it. The cost of R12 is about $50 - $60 per pound were 134a is about $6 - $8....


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I appreciate your answer! BTW, Toyota charges $89 to refill with original R12 refrigerant. I'll ask what they will be doing in the conversion. Thanks very much!

Herb

Hi Herb -

I also have a 91 LS400 with 245,000 miles and about 4 years ago, I made the decision to convert from R12 to R134a and it's really cold. It started out with a bad compressor. I replaced the compressor with a brand new nippondenso. From there, I changed all the rubber hoses followed by the expansion valve (which involves removing the evaporator under the dash). I then flushed every ac line, condensor and evaporator to remove all the old r12 oil followed by removing and replacing every oring in the system. Finally, add the new R134a oil, evacuate and recharge with r134a. The total for (most parts) from Lexus was about $800 + about $200 in flush, r134a and misc. The bottom line is to stick with R12 unless you are willing to do the conversion correctly.

Hope this helps with your decision.

- Kevin

Kevin,

Thank you for a very good explanation of what is required for the conversion and the pros and cons. This is a great piece and exactly what I needed.

This will help me have an intelligent discussion with any of the shops recommending the conversion.

Thanks again!

Herb