R290 for R12 AC system
10-12-2018, 04:50 AM
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R290 for R12 AC system
Ill start by saying I couldn't find a better forum to post this in and I have used Google extensively...
Has anyone with a '92 - '93 Civic ever tried this in the place of R12? It is NOT straight propane it is a 60/40 propane/isobutane mixture. It closely mimics pressures of R12 and will not freeze up an evaporator or overpressurize like straight propane can. I have found a tiny bit of people using this to great success in other vehicles and it gets colder than even R12 does.
Why not convert to R134a? I have read it doesn't get very cold at all with the EGs tiny condensor.
I have never had AC in the car but i want to utilize the jdm auto climate control after my RHD conversion. it came from a '93 SIR so Im stuck with an R12 RHD evap and lines.
Does anybody tried this or have a better idea? Or does R134a conversion actually get decently cold?
Please for the love of god do not reply with "but propane is flammable! derp derp, you're gonna die you dumbass!" Or something along those lines.
And I appologize that i just cannot ever seem to keep a post short and sweet.
Has anyone with a '92 - '93 Civic ever tried this in the place of R12? It is NOT straight propane it is a 60/40 propane/isobutane mixture. It closely mimics pressures of R12 and will not freeze up an evaporator or overpressurize like straight propane can. I have found a tiny bit of people using this to great success in other vehicles and it gets colder than even R12 does.
Why not convert to R134a? I have read it doesn't get very cold at all with the EGs tiny condensor.
I have never had AC in the car but i want to utilize the jdm auto climate control after my RHD conversion. it came from a '93 SIR so Im stuck with an R12 RHD evap and lines.
Does anybody tried this or have a better idea? Or does R134a conversion actually get decently cold?
Please for the love of god do not reply with "but propane is flammable! derp derp, you're gonna die you dumbass!" Or something along those lines.
And I appologize that i just cannot ever seem to keep a post short and sweet.
10-12-2018, 05:25 AM
#2
Re: R290 for R12 AC system
R290 would be pure propane-- which is actually thermally very similar to R22, and can't be used straight in place of R12. Isobutane is R600a. There is AFIK no official number for any blend of the two. It's often sold as "FR-12", "R12a" etc but those are not official names, and as you noted, it doesn't have any official endorsements or approvals.
The blends tend to work better in American car systems that have an expansion tube instead of a valve. The valves are calibrated for R12, and R134 is much closer to R12 at evaporator conditions than any hydrocarbon blend.
The 93 had the same parallel flow condenser as the later ones that were factory R134a, so it should get cold with R134a. Beware of used condensers that have the air fins bent up from road debris (there is no grille over the lower part).
The blends tend to work better in American car systems that have an expansion tube instead of a valve. The valves are calibrated for R12, and R134 is much closer to R12 at evaporator conditions than any hydrocarbon blend.
The 93 had the same parallel flow condenser as the later ones that were factory R134a, so it should get cold with R134a. Beware of used condensers that have the air fins bent up from road debris (there is no grille over the lower part).
10-13-2018, 02:32 AM
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Re: R290 for R12 AC system
R290 would be pure propane-- which is actually thermally very similar to R22, and can't be used straight in place of R12. Isobutane is R600a. There is AFIK no official number for any blend of the two. It's often sold as "FR-12", "R12a" etc but those are not official names, and as you noted, it doesn't have any official endorsements or approvals.
The blends tend to work better in American car systems that have an expansion tube instead of a valve. The valves are calibrated for R12, and R134 is much closer to R12 at evaporator conditions than any hydrocarbon blend.
The 93 had the same parallel flow condenser as the later ones that were factory R134a, so it should get cold with R134a. Beware of used condensers that have the air fins bent up from road debris (there is no grille over the lower part).
The blends tend to work better in American car systems that have an expansion tube instead of a valve. The valves are calibrated for R12, and R134 is much closer to R12 at evaporator conditions than any hydrocarbon blend.
The 93 had the same parallel flow condenser as the later ones that were factory R134a, so it should get cold with R134a. Beware of used condensers that have the air fins bent up from road debris (there is no grille over the lower part).
All I have is the RHD evap/exp valve and everything else behind the dash as well as the 2 lines that go to the firewall. I planned on buying a Condenser, drier and o rings brand new and go to the junkyard for the other 2 lines that are the same lhd/rhd and all the brackets, engine bay harness/relays etc.
I am H22 swapped so Ill need to use a '93 H22 compressor. Ive read a few threads and the r12 lines are supposed to bolt right up with a little bending.
My one concern is Ive heard horror stories about parts house compressors for Honda's. The dealer only offers rebuilt units for $469. Where would you go/order from for a compressor for my application?
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