recharge AC refrigant???
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 2
lingerbw...
Think about getting it evacuated twice. First time like you say is to get rid of the R-12. Then you'll have to open the system to do it right. You want to drain out as much of the compressor oil as you can. You probably should replace the receiver/dryer. Maybe all new seals, because the type of rubber O-rings might be different for R-134a.
Then after you're done with all that, have it pumped down again. Actually it's best to hold it at a hard vacuum for a couple hours, because it takes forever for moisture to come out of the system. Moisture that's still in there will kill the performance. Then add your R134a & retrofit-oil.
If you don't do all of that, it might just work OK. Depends on the humidity in the air when you open it. Depends on how long it stays open. Depends on how much time passes between opening the seal on the new receiver and evacuating. All that stuff you can't control, that's why some people will say they did it and it worked OK. Other people will tell you that it won't work because it didn't work for them.
Think about getting it evacuated twice. First time like you say is to get rid of the R-12. Then you'll have to open the system to do it right. You want to drain out as much of the compressor oil as you can. You probably should replace the receiver/dryer. Maybe all new seals, because the type of rubber O-rings might be different for R-134a.
Then after you're done with all that, have it pumped down again. Actually it's best to hold it at a hard vacuum for a couple hours, because it takes forever for moisture to come out of the system. Moisture that's still in there will kill the performance. Then add your R134a & retrofit-oil.
If you don't do all of that, it might just work OK. Depends on the humidity in the air when you open it. Depends on how long it stays open. Depends on how much time passes between opening the seal on the new receiver and evacuating. All that stuff you can't control, that's why some people will say they did it and it worked OK. Other people will tell you that it won't work because it didn't work for them.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2005
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Originally Posted by crxb16er
nah ur car is newer they have special kits to recharge it, u just have to hook into the low pressure line heading to the compressor, on our older cars they use r22 refrigerant which is extremely hazardous, and we cant do it without beign certified, and its a 10,000 dollar fine i believe to leak refrigerant into the atmosphere, but thats just off the top of my head
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 154
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From: Ontario
Hey, I just did my system about 2 weeks ago. Get your system evacuated (it'll run you about $70 Canadian) it'll get rid of any excess chemical and AC oil in there. There's a new type of coolant chemical (I think it's called 12a) that's totally environmentally friendly, works better than R134a. You can get an additive to expand your seals and seal any leaks (provided they're not major). Just take note of the conversion charts from R134a to 12a as you're using less coolant (but works just as fine). Getting a pressure gauge is also a good idea to ensure you don't overfill. Both of the below have retro fit kits for R12 systems. Other than that, the recharge is one of the easiest things I've ever done......
Here's 2 different Brands. I used RedTek
http://www.deepfreezeinc.ca/
http://www.redtek.ca
Here's 2 different Brands. I used RedTek
http://www.deepfreezeinc.ca/
http://www.redtek.ca