My 2000 Civic's a/c is disappointing unless I'm moving quickly for a while, as most of you have also experienced. If I get access to r12, what would I need to do in order to charge my system and is my a/c system able to use r12?

My searches have only drawn up discussions for the common switch FROM r12 TO r134a.

Thank you.

 

You would have to convert the entire system components to the r12... You should replace your compressor and blower motor to get the high blowing cold *** air back...

 

this would also be illegal odds are there's something wrong with your system

 

I KNOW it's illegal. There's nothing wrong with the system; it's just not strong and never has been, as we all know.

 

you will need to flush the system and replace the dryer and the lubricant. I am not sure if 134 lube is compatible with 12. You may need a r12 compressor but i'm not sure about that. I've though about doing this myself. If you do it, let us know how well it works. I have 4 cans of r12 sitting here just begging to be used

 

its illegal to buy r12. you cant buy r12 unless you have certification to do so,

in order to get section 609 certification you need to complete a test given by MACS (Mobile Air Conditioning Society)

 

Do you have a 609 Cert? You have to have that to get R-12. And they stopped making it in 1995. So prices for dirty R-12 is really high.

On top of it being illegal, you lose your Certification. And the fines are BIG! Not a little "slap on the wrist" couple hundred dollars, more like "close the shop down" 10's of thousands of dollars.


Now, like Hyperblu said, you have to replace EVERYTHING. Pump, consensor, evaporator core, lines, all the seals. And to do that, you'd have to find a 1992 or older Civic, that hasn't been converted to R-134a, and hope everything fits. R-12/oil will ruin everything that was made for R-134a, seals and all.

 

R12 is napalm if it ever catches on fire. that was the WHOLE problem. Find a R400 kit (completely interchangeable with r12 and r134a) from the toyota 4wd guys. they prefer it because of the slower speeds and the want for ac in their 4runner.

 

Did you check the PSIG of the system? Also did you check your cabin evaporator coil see if its diry?

 

Have you looked into ES-12a?
It's legal, compatible with all R134 systems and much more efficient:
http://autorefrigerants.com/

I have a full kit I had gotten for my SVX with AC issues but never wound up using (sold the car).
PM me if you're interested.

 

Won't happen, and I do not think it can be done without spending a fortune.

How old is your compressor? I have an aftermarket one in my 96 and it is actually better than the original, it cools faster. It said on the box it has ice 32 or something, it seems better than when the car was new.

 

Wow, 6 cans of ES-12 for $36 compared to $35/can of R-12.

 

Indeed.

This is what I have if anyone is interested:

• ES-12a can (qty.: 4)
• ES-12a can with dye (qty.: 1)
• Stopleak (qty.: 1)

Everything brand new, sealed.

-Walter

 

I think there is an issue with your system. My old '00 LX got cold quick and stayed cold, never had an issue. My hatch now was cool, but change a few leaking O-rings, vaccumed the system and added more R134a and topped of the ester oil and she is ice cold. Sure it take a bit but it's a old system but once it hits, it hits.

 

oh don't hate on the R12 if it's illegal or not... Just go to Mexico where it is legal... Fill up and come back.

But on the real note. The R134 compressor will not be able to handle the R12 and also you'll need to change all o-rings.

 

The 98-00 Civics in Europe came with a cabin air filter. Read NOFX's thread on doing a retrofit into a 98-00 USDM Civic. I bet yours is clogged up with leaves, fuz, dust, and pine needles. If you blew it out with compressed air I bet your cooling will improve. I did it to my 00 EX, and I get 42*F at the ducts with recirculate on.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/how-cabin-air-filter-1998-2000-civic-2112319/

 

there is a reason for that...

you have issues with the ac system. it's not the refrigerant's fault, you have something failing that needs addressed.

check this thread out:
https://honda-tech.com/forums/tech-misc-15/%2A%2A%2Aair-conditioning-c-guide-how-works-when-doesnt%2A%2A%2A-2900177/

 

has this guy not read all the people running r12s complaints about how crappy the R12 systems are on our 92 and 93 civics, if you ask me don't bother doing a downversion because your not going to get the results you want.
you might as well take your money and do a full system flush and tuneup.

 

Find a good AC shop. One that is willing to keep your car over night. Totally cooled down charge your system and let it sit overnight. They check it in the morning and look for dye leaks. Change every necessary o-ring and clean expansion valves, whatever. Each system either r134a or R-12 is designed to work best with it's own components.

 

I have a '98 Civic and the A/C always blew nice and cold even though I lived in a state which got warm and humid.

As someone mentioned above me, there might be debris in your blower box (since you drive a USDM Civic, it doesn't have an air filter in that spot, though you could add one if you'd like to later one).

 

Horrible idea... instead, if you want to convert, go from R134a to a hydrocarbon refrigerant. Cheaper and more efficient than R134a or R12.
http://duracool.com/

 

Evacuate. Clean crap out of evap and follow the 'install a cabin filter' DIY. Refill with Duracool or Red Tek hydrocarbon refrigerant (R-12a). I just (today) completed a retrofit install of an A/C system on my 94 Civic using R-12a and I get 38F at the centre vent on max.