Might I be low on A/C refrigerant?

[TheJMan]

Since the temps have really been consistently in the 100s here in the Phoenix Metro area, I have noticed that the A/C hasn't been working quite as well as I have been expecting. The air that comes out when the A/C is on is warm, not cold. Even traveling on the freeway at 75, the air is still kind of warm. It really gets hot when idling, but when I put it in park and hit the gas and have it hold at 1600 RPM or so, the air is substantially cooler.

The system was recharged 5 years ago after having a compressor failure. I don't hear the compressor cycle on and off, but could I be just low on refrigerant? If so, are there any tools that I can buy that check the level of refigerant? I have R-12, by the way.

 

[hermitrl]

Well--Galcier may know more----the cheapest thing to try first is to buy a can or 2 or refrigerant at an auto parts store. For good measure get a can of leak sealer also. You need a hose kit to install the refrigerant. Make sure you put it in the low pressure side. Mine on my 92 is near the heater fan. I left the engine running and screwed the can to the hose kit--then put the other end on the fitting. Then screw the valve all the way in to pierce the can and then back it out until you hear the stuff running out or the can gets cold. Try one can and see what difference it makes. I used a haynes manual to figure out this much.
PS I had to buy a different size fitting also--as the hose clip wouldnot fit the one on there. It is simple to remove and switch. Hope this helps.

 

[TheJMan]

Sadly, R-12 is no longer available. I happen to have one can, but it has no threads on the top like the R-134 cans do, so I have no idea how to use it.

 

[hermitrl]

As far as I know---the stuff I bought is compatible with all refrigerants. The brand is Duracool. There are others----just do a search online. If you are losing coolant--you probably have very slow leak---like mine was. The sealant is much more expensive---but mine came with the hose to put it in---so in a way I saved there. I used it for the coolant and the sealer. I must tell you I know very little about this stuff---just did mine today and the compressor won't shut off. Hoping it just needs more coolant.

 

[Glacier991]

Don't add a blend. R-12 cans are used by puncturing the can, either on the side or with an adapter on the end . To know your charge, you will need a gauge set, about $50 to 75. Read the post on "Recharge your AC - A to Z"... for an idea.... There also is an awesone AC website.... but they after bitter experience want 4 things.... ambient temp, vent temp, high side pressure operating and low side pressure operating..... with THOSE you can diagnose. You need a gauge set. STAY with R-12. PLEASE NO BLENDS ! (See the UsefumThreads forum post on "Converting to 134a...." and the blend discussion there.

 

[pax]

I called up NAPA in Canada, he told me the 134a recharge kits are not available in Canada. Anyone know of any reputable AC garage here in the Markham Area. Mine needed recharge this year, the AC is not that cold now, but it is still blowing cool air, so it is not entirely gone yet. This is the first time that the AC is not cold enough in my truck.

 

[Glacier991]

I might add at this point... it is an open queston whether the EPA may at some point remove 134 fom the open market - they were initially opposed to allowing it when they pulld R-12. While it is not an ozone killer, it is a potent greenhouse gas, and way too many people (in some regulators thinking) are simply venting it willy nilly into the atmosphere. Canada's situation COULD be ours someday. I'm not saying go hoard it, but just aheads up....

 

[hermitrl]

I guess glacier has some doubts on the product---but I purchased Duracool from a local parts store in Ontario. I also called the company for help I could not get on the installation--was very helpful. This stuff supposedly does not harm the enviroment and is compatible with both systems. It may save you a retrofit.
Don't get me wrong--I read Glaciers tutorial and he obviously knows his stuff. In my case I needed a cheap fix---and so far got it. Time will tell if it will last the summer---either way I will spend no more on it. For 85 bucks I now have Ice cold air. Duracool may be an option for those of us in Canada. They have a website--just do a search.

 

[91nut]

134

Don't add a blend. R-12 cans are used by puncturing the can, either on the side or with an adapter on the end . To know your charge, you will need a gauge set, about $50 to 75. Read the post on "Recharge your AC - A to Z"... for an idea.... There also is an awesone AC website.... but they after bitter experience want 4 things.... ambient temp, vent temp, high side pressure operating and low side pressure operating..... with THOSE you can diagnose. You need a gauge set. STAY with R-12. PLEASE NO BLENDS ! (See the UsefumThreads forum post on "Converting to 134a...." and the blend discussion there.

I put in 5 cans of 134 into my R12 set up with the required new adapters two years ago. Still running fine and cold.

 

[Glacier991]

when you convert to 134, use about 65% of the full r-12 charge. 5 cans????

 

[91nut]

134

My system was completely depleted. It took 3 cans. Sorry for the mess up. Just looked under the hood and read my handy sticker showing who fueled up the tank.

 

[00XLS]

advance auto and a bunch of other places sell a kit to move over to 134a, its abotu $30-$40 and works well from what i've read.