Air Condition refill

[Robroy]

I’m having a rather weak performance on my Air cond and probably need to refill with gas/media.
Is there a sticker or label anywhere that shows what kind of gas (R-xx) that is used, or if the Air cond is converted to a newer type of gas? I have looked but can’t find any:confused4:
Can the workshop that fills the system detect what kind of gas that’s in the system?

[gashog]

Early 70's cars used r-12 which is extremely expensive,and you must be licensed to purchase, as it does heavy damage to the ozone layer.
You are much better off converting to r-134.
If you car has already been converted,you will see adapters on the schrader valves.
You cant really install the incorrect type of refrigerant unless you know what your doing and have a set of special adapters,which are only available to a/c professionals.

[Robroy]

Thanks for info the Gashog!
especially about the schrader valves. I have to figure out what these are and where they are located.
In this country the R12 is illegal to fill, they will lose there licence if they do it. However you can get it the illegal way and a refill of the system would then cost about 70-100 dollars.
A converting to R134 with leak-tracking, new gaskets and a refill of R134 would cost me about 600-750 dollars.
I think I start with checking out if I have any adapters on those schrader valves and take it from there. The R134 would of course be the best long term solution

Again, I appreciate the help:xyxthumbs:

[gashog]

You wont need to change the seals or leak check the system.
just buy the kit with the schrader adapters and add the r 134.
If there is a leak,you'll know it,but usually the system wont even know the difference.:beers:

[Robroy]

Sounds almost too easy. I think I read somewhere on the v8buick-board that you should flush the system clean when going to R134. If I understand you right it shouldn’t harm the AC-system to blend the two kinds of refrigerant, so the flushing is I guess for environment reasons, probably just to get out all R12

If I got the translation right, a Schrader valve is similar to what you have on an ordinary tire to fill it with air. I found two of them on my system, one of them is visible on the photo below, and the other one was on the compressor. Neither of them seems to have any adapters as far as I can see, so I guess I have R12 all right…
Think I’m ready to book an appointment with AC-guy now

Thanks:beers:

[yosuthnmasa]

Can anyone recommend a store/distributor that sells the schrader conversion valves? How much do they usually cost?

[scottrod]

Any NAPA or O'Reilly's will have them but there is more involved than just changing the valves and freon. The receiver/drier (accumulator) will also need to be replaced and the system should be evacuated and flushed before putting on the new accumulator and freon. Also, the rule of thumb when replacing R12 with R134 is to add 10% more than what specs were for R12. All this is in addition to changing out the schrader valves. Another concern is what to do with the old R12. Most shops won't handle it anymore or don't have that equipment since it went away by 1995. Any good shop should be able to handle the conversion. Rough cost (parts and labor) should be around $400.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

[QUOTE=scottrod; Another concern is what to do with the old R12. Most shops won't handle it anymore or don't have that equipment since it went away by 1995. .[/QUOTE]

Hmmm lets see:Brow: What happens when I open this valve....oooh that stuff is cold;) thats coming out. Oh well my system must be empty of that cold stuff, maybe I should now bring it to the shop to have my ac fixed with that new r134 stuff:D

Al Gore go eat your shorts:moonu: Maybe I'll just plant a tree to get some carbon credits for the freon I released. :rolleyes: Can I get carbon credits if I don't pass gass for a day or two.

[scottrod]

Better be careful Rick. We all know that Al Gore invented the internet so he may be watching. Yeah, 90% do it the way you mentioned but, being a shop owner, it's an automatic $10 or $15,000 fine if I do it. Chanced are, there's nothing in the system anyway.

[Robroy]

The receiver/drier (accumulator) will also need to be replaced .
Scottrod,
Are you sure about the need to replace the receiver/drier?
Some say its not necessary, some say it is?

Not much time left on your convertible on Ebay now...

[scottrod]

Hi Per,
The receiver/drier is a charcoal, dessicant filter that removes moisture from within your closed a/c system. It will probably (unless it is clogged) work without replacing it but not nearly as well. To me, it is one of the easiest pieces to replace and has a lot to do with how cold the a/c blows. I think it is particularly important when you're converting over to R134 since it doesn't get as cold as the old R12 anyway. A lot would depend on where you live and how often you run the a/c. I guess I'm also speaking from a shop perspective in that we don't want comebacks complaining that it isn't cold enough. It just comes down to personal preference and expectations. If I'm going to suffer the poor gas mileage while running the air, I just want to have it cold.

The auction for mine ends in about 6 hours. Don't know if it will hit the reserve. I am surprised how much interest is coming from Europe. The high bidder so far is from Germany. There are 58 people watching and a couple have inspected it here so who knows. I'm happy either way. Thanks for watching. Maybe it will make it's way over your direction....

Scott

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Try this link regarding the hows, and what is needed for the R12 to R134 conversion.

http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/r134.html

[scottrod]

Nice post Rick......Very good info.:xyxthumbs:

[yosuthnmasa]

Hey guys thanks for the input. I don't think it has any gas in the system though. So I assume napa sells the accumulator too, or is this a dealer only part? Is the price you mentioned for a shop to do the conversion, or is the price for parts at the store only?

[gashog]

just use the upgrade kit,you don't need the extra stuff.

[Robroy]

Thanks guys for all this comprehensive information!:xyxthumbs:

Seems like you get away easy if you could refill with some R12 compared to the full conversion to R134. :Brow:

My friend has a 73 Continental that was converted to R134 and he’s complaining on a weak performance compared to a modern car. Question is how effective these systems were when they were new? I have a feeling they were pretty strong knowing how hot it can get in some states in the US.
Another question is how effective you can expect them to be after 35 years with a refrigerant they not originally were design for?
What’s “cold enough” is depending on whom you ask and of course on where people live, but I guess the “full” (acc to Rick’s link) conversion to R134 is the best way if you really want a maximum output of the AC system.

Scott,
I was glad to see that your car had bounced up a bit, not enough to reach the reserve though.
When I bought mine on Ebay it didn’t reach the reserve either. The seller then offered me, who was the highest bidder, a “Second Hand Offer” which I think was the reserve or close to the reserve and this offer was actually a bit under my max bid, so I bought it.
This could be a possibility for you if you don’t want to relist it on Ebay.
The “Second Hand Offer” was all according to rules on Ebay.

[gashog]

r134 does not offer as good performance as r12 in my opinion.
But who wants to spend $300 for a r12 recharge.
:moonu: :rant:

[Robroy]

I agree, if you have to pay 300 you might as well convert to R134.
What if you could get it a lot cheaper than that…..:Brow:

[Smartin]

I paid $350 for an R12 recharge on the LeSabre last year. It will probably cost more this year for the Centurion.

[EEE]

a/c is for old people who can't handle the pressure :p