recharge AC

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Jul 21, 2008 | 05:39 PM

billj6

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Joined: May 2004

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From: Cheswick, Pa.

recharge AC

I last charged my AC in 1982 on a Camaro I owned then. A can of Freon 12 has been in my cupboard since then with a hose kit and instructions. I just noticed the connection on the hose they gave me will not fit the Ford 3.0 filler on my AC system. It's too small. We all know Freon 12 isn't used any more but could I mix it with whatever is in my '99 Ranger if I could get it in there? What is the stuff they put in there in '99 and does it work better or worse than Freon 12? Did they only change it to "protect the ozone layer" or was it a way to pry more money out of vehicle owners? Do they sell the do it yourself kits with the new gas?

Jul 21, 2008 | 05:48 PM

mfp4073

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,726

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From: down south

no, do not mix it. That r12 is actually pretty expensive these days. Go to auto parts store, spend $20 on a filler system and $6 for a can of the r134. r 134 works fine in newer systems that are made for it. The problems come from when you try to use 134 in an r12 setup.

Jul 21, 2008 | 05:54 PM

Lead Head

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From: Rhode Island

Your system uses R134a, it will NOT mix with the R12 in your can. The oils in the compressors are completely different. It would cause the oil to acidic, and not transfer the oil around the system properly, destroying your entire AC system in short order.

R134a is no more expensive then R12 was, as far as I know. R134a is safer for the environment and preforms better then R12.

Also, if your AC does not work at all, not any bit of cooling whatsoever, DO NOT fill it up with a can from a store. Your going to have a shop vacuum the system out, and refill it.

What happens is that if all the refrigerant leaks out, air gets into the system. Air contains moisture and won't condense like refrigerant (easily that is) , and there isn't anything a compressor hates more then moisture

Jul 21, 2008 | 08:14 PM

billj6

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: May 2004

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From: Cheswick, Pa.

Thanks to both of you for filling me in since I can do mechanics but knew zip about the AC system except for one do it yourself can 26 years ago. I'll give the R12 to a buddy who is always fixing up old junkers. By the way, I couldn't find the little window on my system that indicates whether you need refrigerant. It's supposed to show bubbles or no bubbles. Where is it?

Jul 21, 2008 | 08:36 PM

Lead Head

Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Rhode Island

Don't believe the new cars have sight glasses anymore

Jul 21, 2008 | 08:41 PM

73f100shortbed

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: NJ

The sight glass is next to the 8-track player

Seriously though no sight glasses anymore

Jul 23, 2008 | 01:30 AM

mebe2k

Laughing Gas

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 1,062

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From: Ford, WA

"R134a is no more expensive then R12 was, as far as I know. R134a is safer for the environment and preforms better then R12."

it maybe safer for the environment.. but it doesn't perform better..R12 got WAY colder than 134a.. shoot it could be 115 out and R12 would have no problem getting ice cold.. 134a has a heck of a time trying to beat the heat, even in the new cars..