a/c charge
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a/c charge
got my '92 f150 and it had a leak somewhere in the a/c. unfortunately it uses freon 12, which i learned from Napa that it is illegal now. how would i convert my air conditioner? suffered through summer without it, but it would be nice to have 
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From: Menifee, CA
But, if you convert it to R134a, its more modern, you can buy the refrigerant anywhere and if done properly, an R134a system is every bit as efficient as one running R12.
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From: ada ok
sometimes you will have to change the 0- rings, but I wouldn't worry about them unless you have a bad leak. Just make sure it has oil in it. I would charge it with a r-134A oil charge first and then add 134A until it is fully charged. 40-45 lb suction pressure. They are fairly compatible and most older systems have no issues with R-134A. Most of the bad reputation R134A got was really due to low or no oil. Any leak in a system will also lose oil too, as it circulates with the refrigerant, kind of dissolving into the Freon. I just had to replace my compressor on the 95 Ford because I blew a hose and it shelled the compressor before the low pressure switch kicked in. It blew oil everywhere
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Most R12 and a number of R22 substitutes are highly flammable. Basically putting propane in your system as a refrigerant. Seems like a bad idea.
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Red Tek was discussed a month or so ago on the AC/Heat sub-forum. Remember, if you do this, you'll be held liable for any damages resulting from using it. Try using R-152, its canned air, typically used for computer cleaning, dust and such. Also used as Camera cleaner. Either way, if you charge it with something other than R134a or R12, IT NEEDS TO BE LABELED. I don't think I want a sticker under the hood shouting to the world I pumped my "Mobil" AC system with Propane!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Menifee, CA
Red Tek was discussed a month or so ago on the AC/Heat sub-forum. Remember, if you do this, you'll be held liable for any damages resulting from using it. Try using R-152, its canned air, typically used for computer cleaning, dust and such. Also used as Camera cleaner. Either way, if you charge it with something other than R134a or R12, IT NEEDS TO BE LABELED. I don't think I want a sticker under the hood shouting to the world I pumped my "Mobil" AC system with Propane!
On the positive side, I've never actually heard of these substitute refrigerants actually blowing up on anybody, but I know the EPA has banned some of them due to concerns.
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Switch over to R134a but make sure you do a full vacuum on your system for at least an hour, that way you know you got all the old R12 and compressor oil out for your system. Make sure you buy new oil for the 134a to go back into your compressor. If you have a bad o-ring you should replace it or you'll be recharging your system every year, and if it gets bad enough, it could be every couple of weeks.
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From: Menifee, CA
Switch over to R134a but make sure you do a full vacuum on your system for at least an hour, that way you know you got all the old R12 and compressor oil out for your system. Make sure you buy new oil for the 134a to go back into your compressor. If you have a bad o-ring you should replace it or you'll be recharging your system every year, and if it gets bad enough, it could be every couple of weeks.
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From: Menifee, CA
Where are you located? If you are n somewhat of a close vicinity to me in Southern California maybe I can give you some help. I have a vacuum pump, digital manifold gauges, and the tools for the job.
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From: IL
If there is any R12 in the system still, it needs to be recovered with proper A/C recovering equipment. Pulling vacuum is only for a system with absolutely no charge. I'm sure you know that, but just for clarification for anyone who might just try it, definitely don't use a vacuum pump to pull refrigerant from your system!
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From: Menifee, CA
Yeah just bad stuff. R12 is nasty for the ozone. R134a is non ozone depleting so while its not bad to jist let the refrigerant out, its still illegal as hell. Just don't breath the stuff in!