the air conditioner accumulator canister (might not be technically called that but its the cylinder thats on the passenger side that makes changing spark plugs a royal pain) was involved in a slipped wrench accident and needs replaced. (the low pressure nipple sheared right off) I was wondering if a late model r134a canister would work in place of an r12 unit so i wouldnt have to do the conversion on an r12 canister.

 

I've never heard of an R134a receiver/drier. Orifice tube, yes, but the receiver/drier is the same regardless of the refrigerant used.

But, you should get a new one when you do the switch, anyway.

 

Technically, a "receiver" is generally installed in the hot liquid line after the condenser. That seems to hold true in all refrigeration systems except in the automotive realm, where people tend to call things whatever they want, regarless of the accuracy. The low pressure gas line on your car empties into an accumulator, as you stated. I the automotive world, those are frequently identified as "receivers".

In any case, 5-7 is correct that the chamber doesn't care what kind of refrigerants is contains. The only differentiating feature may be the type and size fitting used to connect equipment to the accumulator.