90 Legacy A/C

[Mike Copeland]

I suspect there is a leak. But, this is an R12 system My shop said I
might be able to convert to 134a but it's gonna cost ~ $175 and then
they can start to trouble shoot a leak. Are there any better options?
Mike

 

[mulder]

I suspect there is a leak. But, this is an R12 system My shop said I
might be able to convert to 134a but it's gonna cost ~ $175 and then
they can start to trouble shoot a leak. Are there any better options?
Mike

Not really. The only way to find the leak is to at least partially
charge the system and add dye to trace where it is leaking out. Once
the leak is found it can be repaired. You should also be aware that if
the system has been empty and exposed to atmosphere for any length of
time, the receiver-dryer will be contaminated and need replacement. If
you are not prepared to spend some money for the full diagnosis and
repair including the R134 conversion, you'll have to do without AC.
It's up to you.

 

[AS]

If you have an A/C technician certified to buy the R-12, you can get
the refrigerant from legal sources on ebay.com, you will need the epa
certification id. The cost for one 12oz can of R-12 ranges from $17 to $22

To find a leak you can look for the oil traces left by the leak.

The reasons to use R-12:
- Cools better
- Conversions have many problems due to incompatibility of the oil in
the system with the r-134. Replacing the compressor oil will not work
too well because the oil is in the whole system. You would need to
flush the system with nitrogen, thus improving your chances but not
guaranteeing much. I remember reading, while studying for the EPA
certification, that R-12 substitute refrigerants are not the solution
either. The conversion will work but is not the right thing to do.

Reasons to use r-134:
- Easily available for now.
- Cost

If you are into stuyding a lil, you can get certified online, an open
book examination for $19.95, http://www.epatest.com/e_609cert.html.

There are two certifications:
- 609 for automotive "Section 609 Certification allows the purchase of
any refrigerant in any size container from an auto supply house for use
in cooling the passenger compartment of vehicles!"
- 608 "With 608 certification, you can purchase ANY refrigerant in
containers greater that 20 pounds."

Please note that 609 is only for refrigerants used in cars.
and that 608 is for any refrigerants in containers larger than 20 lbs.

I hope this information helps.

 

[Mike Copeland]

Great info! thanx to all.


/C technician certified to buy the R-12, you can get