A/C conversion from R12 to R413a

[Daniel]

I want to refill the aircondition of my Thema V6 S2, still runnig with R12. Since R12 is forbidden today, the aircondition must be changed to a newer refrigerant like R413a.

I have asked three different garages: Two of them (including FIAT) told me, that the drier and some small parts has to be changed before filling in the R413a (also called isceon-49 or iseon-49), the total cost would be 250 EUR. The third garage, specialised to air conditioning, told me that no changes are necessary and the cost would be only 125 EUR.

I've looked to the homepage of Rhodia (manufacturer of isceon-49). Rhodia recommends to change drier and filter in general, but for small hermetic systems (like used in cars) it might be not necessary to change any parts.

Has somebody experience with the conversion from R12 to R413a in a Lancia Thema or other cars ?

[Mark]

I've had mine serviced and refilled recently, due to a leaking connector, and have experienced no problems at all with R413a, it's not quite a efficient as R12, but you'll be lucky to notice the difference in the UK climate! Hope this is a help, good luck.

[Daniel]

Meanwhile, I have learned that the drier should be replaced all 5-6 years because it is saturated after this time and cannot absorb water or particles anymore. But this does not depend on the refrigerant (R12 or R413a). I have read that the efficience of R413a is only about 10% less of R12.

So I have decided to change the drier as well, and the air condition works fine now (even much better than with low level of R12).

Regards, Daniel