AC Refridgerant August 11, 2021, 02:44:19 pm My 1990 Chevy G30, needs a freon recharge. I know the best solution is to have it done professionally. Being on SSDI it would take my entire check for the month. Rightly or wrongly I am going to try the DIY route. Unfortunately my research into what type has been uncertain, Given the age of my motor I am thinking R-12 rather then R-134A. Someone please save me from a potentially disastrous choice. TY.
Re: AC Refridgerant Reply #1 – August 11, 2021, 03:03:42 pm Properly functioning systems don't need to be refilled. If the refrigerant has leaked out of your system, any refrigerant that you add will eventually leak out as well unless you find and fix the leak. On some cars, the leak is slow enough that you can just keep refilling every so often. For others, the leak grows over time and the problem just gets worse. This can make it feel like you're just wasting money at a faster and faster rate. R-12 and R-134A have different sized valves (where you add the refrigerant). Someone at a local auto parts store should be willing to look at your system (for free) and help you figure out just what you need.You probably know that R-12 was phased out b/c of damage to the atmosphere. Recapturing R-12 properly is the main reason people recommend letting a shop handle things. Refilling a leaking system is slowly releasing R-12 into the atmosphere. If you really want to learn more about converting to R-134, this might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1VG1OHEfAM&ab_channel=EricTheCarGuyRich 1 Likes
Re: AC Refridgerant Reply #2 – August 11, 2021, 03:43:39 pm Quote from: rich - August 11, 2021, 03:03:42 pmProperly functioning systems don't need to be refilled. If the refrigerant has leaked out of your system, any refrigerant that you add will eventually leak out as well unless you find and fix the leak. On some cars, the leak is slow enough that you can just keep refilling every so often. For others, the leak grows over time and the problem just gets worse. This can make it feel like you're just wasting money at a faster and faster rate. R-12 and R-134A have different sized valves (where you add the refrigerant). Someone at a local auto parts store should be willing to look at your system (for free) and help you figure out just what you need.You probably know that R-12 was phased out b/c of damage to the atmosphere. Recapturing R-12 properly is the main reason people recommend letting a shop handle things. Refilling a leaking system is slowly releasing R-12 into the atmosphere. If you really want to learn more about converting to R-134, this might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1VG1OHEfAM&ab_channel=EricTheCarGuyRichThanks Rich. I suppose I had better go to the pros then. Maybe I will ask my bank for a small loan....
Re: AC Refridgerant Reply #3 – August 11, 2021, 06:06:21 pm Yes, your 1990 LD originally used R-12, a refrigerant that has been off the market for a couple of decades.Conversion kits for R134A do exist but do not expect the A/C to work as well as it did with R-12. R-134A has different cooling characteristics than R-12 and needs a system designed for it to achieve maximum cooling.The A/C system needs the fittings to be changed to R-134A valves and then flushed, to remove the lubricating oil and replaced with the proper PAG oil. R-12 uses a different PAG oil than R-134A.https://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/media/homepage/facelift/media-center/klima/thermokampagne/3-1-sortimentsbroschuere-klimakompressor-oele-200122-gb-screen.pdfThe dryer/accumulator is often changed too, before vacuuming the system and then refilling with R-134A.As Rich pointed out, the system lost the R-12 due to leakage, something that needs to be found and fixed.Automotive A/Cs can lose the refrigerant if the A/C's compressor is operated regularly, the carbon front seal on the compressor uses its oil supply to complete the seal, the oil will drain out of the seal if not run often, allowing leakage. In the wintertime, the compressor is run whenever the defroster is on.Since it isn't a DIY job, it's not going to be cheap.Larry
Re: AC Refridgerant Reply #4 – August 11, 2021, 08:32:13 pm Quote from: Larry W - August 11, 2021, 06:06:21 pmYes, your 1990 LD originally used R-12, a refrigerant that has been off the market for a couple of decades.Conversion kits for R134A do exist but do not expect the A/C to work as well as it did with R-12. R-134A has different cooling characteristics than R-12 and needs a system designed for it to achieve maximum cooling.The A/C system needs the fittings to be changed to R-134A valves and then flushed, to remove the lubricating oil and replaced with the proper PAG oil. R-12 uses a different PAG oil than R-134A.https://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/media/homepage/facelift/media-center/klima/thermokampagne/3-1-sortimentsbroschuere-klimakompressor-oele-200122-gb-screen.pdfThe dryer/accumulator is often changed too, before vacuuming the system and then refilling with R-134A.As Rich pointed out, the system lost the R-12 due to leakage, something that needs to be found and fixed.Automotive A/Cs can lose the refrigerant if the A/C's compressor is operated regularly, the carbon front seal on the compressor uses its oil supply to complete the seal, the oil will drain out of the seal if not run often, allowing leakage. In the wintertime, the compressor is run whenever the defroster is on.Since it isn't a DIY job, it's not going to be cheap.LarryYou are scaring me Larry. My hoped for cost, $800, has now probably been doubled at least....
Re: AC Refridgerant Reply #5 – August 11, 2021, 08:47:23 pm Quote from: Mindispower - August 11, 2021, 08:32:13 pmYou are scaring me Larry. My hoped for cost, $800, has now probably been doubled at least....I would certainly recommend that you get get at least three (3) quotes from qualified auto shops to include GM. My first step would be to identify the three (3) quality shops and then ask for a quote. If you lived near us (Fort Worth), I'd offer several recommendations. So perhaps you can ask this LD Neighborhood for recommendations based on your location and how far you're willing to travel. Best of luck with this repair. 1 Likes
Re: AC Refridgerant Reply #6 – August 12, 2021, 11:23:52 am One question that needs to be asked, is, has your system already been converted to 134A? If so, then things change considerably.Service caps, hose clamps and the compressor seal are the most likely leak offenders. About the only thing to do with the compressor seal is to run the unit, sometimes they will hold, most of the time they don't. Any where that shows a sine of oil is a potential leak look it over close. If you see a hose clamp, snug it down, If it is still R 12, the service caps will be most likely be 1/4" flare caps. look for them and make sure they are tight. Most likely there will be 2. If you hear the compressor cycling on and off rapidly it's most likely short on gas. Just watch the shop you choose there is a lot of room for them to take advantage of you. Definitely get more than one price.Jon
Re: AC Refridgerant Reply #7 – August 12, 2021, 04:53:54 pm Quote from: JonS - August 12, 2021, 11:23:52 amOne question that needs to be asked, is, has your system already been converted to 134A? If so, then things change considerably.Service caps, hose clamps and the compressor seal are the most likely leak offenders. About the only thing to do with the compressor seal is to run the unit, sometimes they will hold, most of the time they don't. Any where that shows a sine of oil is a potential leak look it over close. If you see a hose clamp, snug it down, If it is still R 12, the service caps will be most likely be 1/4" flare caps. look for them and make sure they are tight. Most likely there will be 2. If you hear the compressor cycling on and off rapidly it's most likely short on gas. Just watch the shop you choose there is a lot of room for them to take advantage of you. Definitely get more than one price.JonI am beginning to think that I will have to live without AC in the Summer.... Arrrgghhh! Which sucks because we can get up to 115-120.
Re: AC Refridgerant Reply #8 – August 12, 2021, 07:01:31 pm Hi Ty; are we talking chassis (dash) A/C or roof air like Duotherm 120VAC air conditioner. If you are in a park with electrical hook ups, you can travel at night. I think you said earlier you don't have a generator. RonB
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