I have a 1992 300E with an air conditioner that uses R-12 refrigerant. With the cost of R-12 being very prohibitive,has anybodyconvertedfrom R-12 to R-134? How hard or easy it is? Is it recommended to do the conversion and what are the steps? Please help. Thank you.

 

This topic has been written about quite often with owners lining up on both sides of the question. Use the search feature if you want quick answers/opinions

I did do a conversion to R134 in my '87 560SL that originally came with R12. Conversion included evacuation of system, new oil, refrigerant, receiver dryer, expansion valve + labor. Cooling was not improved, nor satisfactory. 3 years later, I converted back to R12 as this is what my Nippondenso compressor that is OE on my car was designed to run on. Went through the same drill, same parts replaced, etc. Cooling as good as it gets.

IMO, if your system came with R12 from the factory and you've got a leak or other breach in the system, have it repaired and the systemtopped offwith R12. Shop around for this service and in the short and long term, you'll be happier with the performance of your AC by repairing the components of the system it came with than converting.

Let the debate begin....again!

Bob

 

I had my 77 300D topped off with R12 and I'm happy.