Need help figuring out fittings for r12 recharge

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Mar 10, 2013
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I have an r134a gauge set with the quick connect fittings that then screw down to open the ports. I am looking to recharge an older vehicle with r12 with the r12 ports. Everything i search for regarding hooking my gauge set up to r12 ports just shows the r12 to r134a retrofit adapters. I want to have r12 fittings that go onto the end of my gauge refrigerant hoses that then screw into the r12 ports. What do i search for on google?
 
It will help if you mention what vehicle you have. So I will comment generically.

If the system is empty, are you planning to purge the system before refilling with refridgerant? You will be wasting your time if this is not done first.

You need to identify the suction and discharge lines. There will be service ports on those lines and should be different sized so you do not get them mixed up.
 
Generally on an r12 system, the 1/4" SAE charge hoses thread directly on the fitting. There are no special adapters. Because of that, pay attention to your connections. Don't want to get them backwards.
 
I have an r134a gauge set with the quick connect fittings that then screw down to open the ports. I am looking to recharge an older vehicle with r12 with the r12 ports. Everything i search for regarding hooking my gauge set up to r12 ports just shows the r12 to r134a retrofit adapters. I want to have r12 fittings that go onto the end of my gauge refrigerant hoses that then screw into the r12 ports. What do i search for on google?
@joegreen, these are the adapter hoses that you need to transition the gauge set from R-134a to R-12. I found them on both eBay. and Amazon. Be sure to flush any residual mineral oil out of the long hoses/gauges after charging the R-12 system since mineral oil is incompatible with R-134a.

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You can buy R12 couplers for about $17 at most autoparts stores. If your vehicle has the R12 fittings then you should be able to buy a R12 coupler with the 1/4" hose and thread it onto your gauge set. They won't be quick disconnect but I don't think the R12 systems accept quick disconnect.

This is a Santech coupler from AutoZone that you could review and see if it fits your equipment.

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You can buy R12 couplers for about $17 at most autoparts stores. If your vehicle has the R12 fittings then you should be able to buy a R12 coupler with the 1/4" hose and thread it onto your gauge set. They won't be quick disconnect but I don't think the R12 systems accept quick disconnect.

This is a Santech coupler from AutoZone that you could review and see if it fits your equipment.

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If this Santech 90 degrees adapter's threads are compatible, you will also need to remove the Schrader core from the male inlet end before installing it onto the hose. Much easier and less expensive to use the QD adapter pigtail hoses I posted above.
 
I have the mastercool 89661 gauge set. Car is an 1984 mercedes 300d. Original ac not converted.
 
I just would like r12 fittings that can be screwed onto the end of my gauge hoses that replace the r134a quick connects.
 
I just would like r12 fittings that can be screwed onto the end of my gauge hoses that replace the r134a quick connects.

I just would like r12 fittings that can be screwed onto the end of my gauge hoses that replace the r134a quick connects.
Wouldn't the pigtail adapters be quicker and more versatile to use? I don't understand how changing the brass couplers on the hoses would make more sense unless you are permanently converting the gauge hoses for exclusive R-12 use moving forward.
 
The r134a quick connectors screw onto the end of the manifold hoses. They are unscrewed when everything is put back into the carrying case. I am looking for r12 connectors i can screw onto the end of the manifold hoses just like the r134a quick connectors. This way i can keep them in my case and swap between the two when needed.
 
The r134a quick connectors screw onto the end of the manifold hoses. They are unscrewed when everything is put back into the carrying case. I am looking for r12 connectors i can screw onto the end of the manifold hoses just like the r134a quick connectors. This way i can keep them in my case and swap between the two when needed.
This is the closest thing that I can find that doesn't come from a questionable offshore site like Temu.

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I recently bought a couple cans of R12 equivalent out of Canada. The system I was servicing was low but not empty. 1986 Nissan. I used an adapter on the low port and a hose with pressure gauge to fill. It took most of both 12 ounce cans to get to the top of the green pressure range. The gas was about $20 a can and I am told it is butane. I didn't want to have to drain/purge/clean the original system along with compatible orifice and dryer for R134. The R12 uses mineral oil and R134 uses synthetic PAG I believe. Too much hassle to convert for me. The AC is cold and still holding its charge some months later. Good luck.



 
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