Aircon recharge - which gas, R12 or R134a?

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?

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject:

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!!

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject:

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?

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 3:16 pm Post subject:

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:42 pm Post subject:

That's my thinking, too.

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

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject:

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.

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 9:48 pm Post subject:

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.

Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 1:28 am Post subject:

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

Takumi Joined: 30 Mar 2008 Posts: 225

Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject:

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

Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 6:28 pm Post subject:

R12a is the popular name for a hydrocarbon refrigerant blend made up of a mixture of propane and butane. These blends are highly flammible and you assume some risk by using them but they do work very well in most applications. Do your own research and perform a good risk assessment on your car first before using one.

Even if it's available, I think I'll pass on R12a, anyway.