I still have R12, all original A/C. The compressor has been throwing oil on the hood padding for years. Probably for 20 years. Every other year, I add a can of R12. and it still works great. I have no reason to covert to R134 or whatever.
Do they still make R12 compressors? Can I still get a large amount of R12?
If I pull it apart, do I really need to change the drier ? It's not like the compressor blew up, just the front seal is leaking slightly.

 

Most of the AC Delco replacement compressors will work with either R12 or R134A. If you pull it apart, you don't "need" to change the dryer, but I would along with the orifice tube and change all of the orings/seals.

R12 is becoming harder to get and very expensive and it isn't allowed to be sold to the general public without the proper EPA licensing to handle it.

 

I have the EPA license from a previous life. If I change the orifice all the O rings. Then I might as well go to R134A. I may buy a cylinder on Ebay, and try to do this. Yes, I'm paying through the nose, but my car is original.

 

Well, that makes things a bit easier (and legal). I would probably keep it R12 then and just buy a few overpriced cans of R12 and charge it up after replacing the compressor, dryer, orifice tube and seals. Right now on EBay, there are 12oz cans of R12 going for between $30-$50/can.

Changing to R134a is a possibility as well, but really should have a good flushing of the entire system to remove the old mineral oil and should also change out the condenser to a newer style parallel flow. The old serpentine style condenser will work, but you'll notice that the A/C will not be as cold when sitting in traffic. Then since you are changing out the compressor, condenser and accumulator/dryer, all that is left are the hoses and evaporator, so might as well change them so everything is new. It's a slippery slope.

 

That's what I do, I have a stash of old R12. It works soooo much better imo.

 

I know a couple of people who bought up a pretty good amount right before production ceased in the early 90's.

 

I have like 26 lbs of 12 left, it's my precious

 

It is about 6-8 degrees colder imo.

Makes a big difference here in Texas as we had a heat index of 106 today on the first day of summer.

 

See R12 at a flea market now and then, probably an import. Reasonable price. You might look around and find someone to pull your refrigerant, let you change the compressor, then recharge. I've done this with an old empty cylinder in ice water but not recommended for safety (disclaimer). I would stick with the R12 if at all possible.

 

your drier question is a depend. depends on how long you have it open. I'd for sure plug it, so air can't get in there easily. last thing you want is water in your a/c system. if you have it open for days, you may want to consider changing it. I'd look around the web and see what the verdict is. as far as I'm aware, you can't get an exact factory replacement drier. be on the look out at the decedent inside the drier, make sure its R12 compatible. the drier I bought for my r134 conversion was a smidge too small in diameter for the factory clamp, so I used a bit of insulation to close the gap, worked great. BTW - my r134 conversion works like a champ, didn't change anything other than the drier and orifice tube and bought a new Delco R4 compressor even tho the original was probably still working - oil compatibility concern. Also, if you do change the drier, you may want to add a little oil to it. they typically hold a bit, forget the amount.

 

I heard rumors that R12 is still available in Mexico, but it can damage the AC system. Anybody know if that's true?

 

R152a is cheaper than R134a and with a modern condenser and a red ford orifice tube with a slight tweak on the compressor cut-off switch it will blow as cold if not colder than R12. My G35 gets down to 30*F with the blower on high and the recirculate switch clicked on, on a 105*F going down the highway. My Express van gets down to about 34*F on both ends. My old G20 van was also in the lower 30s before the Vortec HT6 compressor on it let go with the normal belly leak problem (not if but when on those stupid compressors, but it came with the engine). All 3 will sit in the mid-low 40s at idle with the blowers cranked up to high.

 

if you’re replacing the compressor I would change the dryer. When I swapped out a seized compressor the AC manufacturers won’t warranty the compressor unless the dryer is changed at the same time. The small filter should also be changed.

I’m surprised you can even find R12 anywhere anymore.