R12 a/c

[RGBaker]

Opinions sought on getting my a/c running again.  Compressor spins OK, but system doesn't cool -- the car sat unused for a few years and almost surely the original R12 leaked out.

My first choice would be to check the system for leaks & recharge with R12 -- my second choice would be an R12 drop-in replacement ... my final choice would be a conversion to a 'new' refrigerant.

Suggestions, comments, warnings all appreciated.

Cheers,
GB

[dguy]

Good luck finding someone who will top it up with R12!

If it were mine, I'd convert to R134a.

Assuming that the system is empty, you can replace the receiver/drier & orifice valve^* yourself.    R134a-compatible seal kits to retrofit old systems are available from most auto parts stores as well.  While you're at it, dumping the old oil from the compressor & replacing it with the appropriate amount of ester oil is easy.

All that's left for a shop to do, is evacuate & charge the system with 134a, and tweak the pressure switches on the back of the compressor (assuming that everything else is ok).



I would recommend staying away from over-the-counter "drop-in" products such as Freeze-12, Duracool, and other propane/butane-based refridgerants unless you're 2000% positive that you have no leaks, and that the system will never leak again between now and the second coming.  Yeah sure they're relatively envorinmentally friendly, and cheap...   but one leak in the wrong place and you're a fireball.   


^*Apparently there is a replacement for the original orifice valve called a "variable load orifice valve" which improves the a/c system's performance slightly when the engine is running at idle speeds.

[aaron88]

Shops these days want to replace everything in an old A/C system before they will charge it, so be weary of those shops.

Forget about R12, you won’t find anyone to charge your system with that.

If your AC isn’t working now then you will have to find the leak and fix that first.

Aaron

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[dguy]

Before I forget...

If you decide that you're comfortable with a hydrocarbon-based "top up", I've had a 6oz can of Duracool 12a & can tap kicking about the house for a year or so.  Yours if you want it, 'cause it's never gonna get used by me.

[GoFast88]

I had heard that they still do R12 in the 'ol US of A. If so, just a quick jaunt across the border.