I just posted on a DIY thread, but I'm hoping some of you Accord Gods have experience with this too. Here goes:

My AC isn't working. Took it to a garage, the guy says he's going to charge me at least $1000 to retrofit to R134A (my car is currently R12). Screw that. Got on HAN this morning looked at some threads. I'm gonna have them evacuate my R12 for $69.95. I will do the retro fit, (retro fit kit at Autozone for $35) then fill it up with R134A. Anyone see a problem with my plan? I hope it works... it's getting HOT!!

Of course, this is all assuming that the problem is the refrigerant! Will they be able to tell me if there is a leak from sucking out the R12?

This sucks.

 

Wow $1000 for a retro-fit to r134a??? Thats a huge freakin rip off. Actually, if you find out what the problem is you don't even need to do it yourself. I think any autoparts store sells a DIY thing that automatically seals leaks or something. If you could find a friend with some r12 id stick with that and just recharge it.

 

Any other ideas on this? <bump>

 

use propane and dont crash i suppose if u got a r134a system out of a newer car u could try and put it in ur self

 

ok im in college for automotive and i talked to my hvac teacher he said try to retrofit the fitting and put 134a in there and see if it works it he said most systems can take it but sum will get eatin up by 134a so i am not liable

 

Do not put R134a into an R12 system. It will eat it up. The hose needs to be changed because R134a needs special hose. so you may need to evacuate the whole system and have it flushed out before you even try to change any parts for retrofitting.