A/C Recharging

[jayhawkexplorer]

Well I flipped on my AC today on the way home and it didn't work so I came on here and concluded that my compressor was fine, but I was low on coolant because of the underhood clicking I could hear, meaning the compressor was trying to turn on but couldn't due to low pressure. So I went to Advance Auto Parts and got some Interdynamics Measure and Charge http://www.id-usa.com/product.asp?CID=27&PID=92 for $20. It comes with a built in pressure gauge so you don't do anything stupid. Just wanted to let you guys know what a great product this is. It was quick, easy, well explained, and a complete car maintenance novice like myself figured it out quickly and easily with the help of my Haynes manual. If any of you need to recharge your AC, check this stuff out, its great.

 

[CarFreak146]

I need to recharge mine, looks like I'll be tryin it out.

--Ryan

 

[Lee S.]

I picked up this kit from the same manufacturer at my local auto parts store:

http://www.id-usa.com/product.asp?CID=27&PID=20

Real easy to use. Found out my pressure was low but after recharge all is well. I'll see how long it stays that way but for now everything is cooooool.

Lee

 

[Blaine122300]

What about for R-12. Is it as easy to recharge?

 

[Glacier991]

R-12 is not available over the counter.

 

[BJS]

yes R-12 is just as easy but like has been said before you can't buy it over the counter w/o epa license. what you can buy is freeze-12 which is compatable w/ r-12 but is availabe w/o license, haven't used it personally some I've talked to said it works fine others say dont' touch it. I'm w/ the latter mainly b/c i've got the license to buy & a lifetime supply already

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

What about for R-12. Is it as easy to recharge?

You can buy a conversion kit that's just as easy for $30 at Advance Auto also

 

[Blaine122300]

You can buy a conversion kit that's just as easy for $30 at Advance Auto also

I've heard that when you convert, you can really mess up your compressor though. I guess I will just have to go and get a recharge (Once my doors go back on).

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

Yeah, I've heard that too. I'd probably leave it to a mechanic if I was you.

 

[Glacier991]

In the "Useful Threads" forum .....there is a LONG thread on converting from R-12 to 134. Good reading if you have the interest.

 

[estan]

AC exchange

I swapped out my 93 Ex 2 months ago with r134 and is doing great, just had the 12 removed and put in the 3 cans that came with the kit, works great. I also replaced my wifes Honda prelude about 5 yrs ago with r134 and still blowing colder than ever, I did blow out all the oil on hers because it already had an open system due to a hole in the line, so i blew out all the oil, I have heard this is the proper way to do it, however on my Ex I just put in the r134 and didn't change out the oil and is working good!

 

[Private_Joker]

What did you get the mechanic to do?...

Hi,
I've got a 93 that I'd like to convert also.
When you state:
"just had the 12 removed and put in the 3 cans that came with the kit"
Did you go to a mechanic - & if so, did you tell the mechanic 'specifically' to flush out the r12 only?
I want to convert, but I'm scared of going to a shop and the first thing they'll say is it will cost $1000...

Thanks,
PJ

I swapped out my 93 Ex 2 months ago with r134 and is doing great, just had the 12 removed and put in the 3 cans that came with the kit, works great. I also replaced my wifes Honda prelude about 5 yrs ago with r134 and still blowing colder than ever, I did blow out all the oil on hers because it already had an open system due to a hole in the line, so i blew out all the oil, I have heard this is the proper way to do it, however on my Ex I just put in the r134 and didn't change out the oil and is working good!

 

[estan]

Joker,

If you go to any shop that does AC work they should be more than happy to hook your Ex up and suck out the R-12 for free if you let them keep the R-12 (provided you have some still in there!! ha) Not sure how much R-12 cost now but if they get atleast 2 lbs out that should be plenty payback for them hooking it up to a recover system which wil take them 5 min. of work!!

Call around and I'm sure you will find a shop that will help!

Hope this helps!

 

[Blaine122300]

Joker,

If you go to any shop that does AC work they should be more than happy to hook your Ex up and suck out the R-12 for free if you let them keep the R-12 (provided you have some still in there!! ha) Not sure how much R-12 cost now but if they get atleast 2 lbs out that should be plenty payback for them hooking it up to a recover system which wil take them 5 min. of work!!

Call around and I'm sure you will find a shop that will help!

Hope this helps!

R-12 is like 75-80 bucks a pound.

 

[Private_Joker]

Sounds great, but I'm in Canada (Toronto).. I still can't figure out if freeze-12 is an option here.
My Dad thinks the job is big buck$.

Joker,

If you go to any shop that does AC work they should be more than happy to hook your Ex up and suck out the R-12 for free if you let them keep the R-12 (provided you have some still in there!! ha) Not sure how much R-12 cost now but if they get atleast 2 lbs out that should be plenty payback for them hooking it up to a recover system which wil take them 5 min. of work!!

Call around and I'm sure you will find a shop that will help!

Hope this helps!

 

[Capman2k]

What years had the R-12? I have a 94, will I need to switch to R-134??

 

['92Bauer]

I think late 93 models are when they switched to r-134, so you should be fine. But you can also look under your hood there should be a sticker or something labeled on what you have.

 

[andy stein]

I994's all have R134, no need to convert anything.

 

[shinobis]

I have a 93 limited what am I looking for on the sticker to know the difference if I have r12 or r134.

 

[Capman2k]

I994's all have R134, no need to convert anything.

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet.... 94 has to be the greatest year... Still has the badass body style, all the good aftermarket parts, but most of the good stuff of the 95+