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Hello, I have a 1982 Crossfire. AC not blowing cold so I am going to charge the system with R12 first. Many posts say to charge on the low side. Attached picture shows the two ports. The lower port is smaller than the upper. I am assuming the lower port is where I should hook it up. Also I see many are using a product called Red Tek 12a. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
Also I see many are using a product called Red Tek 12a. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
12a is not R12, it is Propane. Will work for about a season but just be aware that it is not R12. Search "12a" in both the General and Tech forums to find some earlier threads on the topic.
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Aug 8, 2017 at 08:47 AM.
Attached picture shows the two ports. The lower port is smaller than the upper. I am assuming the lower port is where I should hook it up. Also I see many are using a product called Red Tek 12a. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
the smaller diameter line is the pressure side. The larger diameter line is the suction side.
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Aug 8, 2017 at 08:56 AM.
Small port connection is the high pressure side. Hi pressure runs can run up to 200+ psi. Don't try to recharge a system thru that port- you run the risk of the can blowing up in your hand.
Charge from the lo pressure side. That one runs 25-35 PSI.
Use R-12. 12a, as stated is propane. Not exactly what you would want in the unlikely event of a crash.
Use R-12. 12a, as stated is propane. Not exactly what you would want in the unlikely event of a crash.
The propane charge is so small there is no real risk of an explosion. You don't put in a 1:1 weight charge, you just use a few ounces, at worse it might go 'pop'. I am far more worried about the 20 gallons of gasoline in an unprotected space right behind me.
Not in my Corvette but another R12 car I use one can of propane then top the remainder of the charge off with 134a (keeping the charge on the low side of spec for best cooling). Propane (R290) , being a hydrocarbon, carries the original R12 oil so no issues there.
Propane is a great refrigerant and not considered harmful to air quality if vented. It was authorized by the EPA for use in small indoor stationary coolers (ie, dorm 'friges and wine coolers) a few years ago. The primary issue with propane is that it will leak at a much higher rate than R12 due to its smaller molecular weight. If R12 leaks now then propane will leak even faster, so plan to do the exercise every season.
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Aug 9, 2017 at 07:34 AM.
AC charge on a 1982
