1972 Air-Con. quick question.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
If there are no leaks, the charge would last indefinitely, much like that of the a/c's in our homes. However, since cars use hoses and a lot of o-rings, unlike our homes, it is normal for these systems to leak somewhat and require additional refrigerant periodically. A tightly sealed system should lose less than an ounce a year. Hope this helps. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 175
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From: GRIMSBY N.E.LINCS. U.K.
If there are no leaks, the charge would last indefinitely, much like that of the a/c's in our homes. However, since cars use hoses and a lot of o-rings, unlike our homes, it is normal for these systems to leak somewhat and require additional refrigerant periodically. A tightly sealed system should lose less than an ounce a year. Hope this helps.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Im. with you on that.Reason im asking is after 28YEARS ! ive. not had it recharged ,lately its not been cooling much and yesterday the thermal safety fuse melted.Wondering if a recharge and new fuse will sort it or if a leak is present(hope not).Thinking of trying that Canadian stuff thats suposed to be a direct R12 replacement as must have lost quite a bit over that length of time.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: GRIMSBY N.E.LINCS. U.K.
28 years is just unbelievable. Someone must be looking over you. I would suggest putting a set of gauges on the system after you get the compressor going before adding any refrigerant. Your problem could be something other than low freon. I would also suggest staying with R12 as it is still available although not cheap. Good luck.
Will gauge it up as sugested 1st, im lead to believe R12 is blackmarket teritory over here in the U.K.which may be a problem hopefully some one may chime in on this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Hazerswoude-Rijndijk Zuid Holland
Bloke,
Same over here in the Netherlands. The trick is to look for a industrial refrigerant service station, you know cooling machines, deep freezers. They still have r12. Car ac services don't. Otherwise I know a shop in Belgium!
Same over here in the Netherlands. The trick is to look for a industrial refrigerant service station, you know cooling machines, deep freezers. They still have r12. Car ac services don't. Otherwise I know a shop in Belgium!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Hi Sam, I didn't notice that you live in the UK. I don't know what the rules are for R12 there, but it is still available and legal to use in the US. It's just that it is, for the most part, no longer being produced legally in the world. It is widely available on Ebay and I have a supply which I may list there shortly. While prices vary somewhat, it is going for around $25/12 oz. can plus shipping. Jud
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
There used to be an old saying that the refrigerant will only stay in the A6 compressor systems only as long as the front seal on the compressor wants it to!
28 years has to be some kind of record.
Sarasota, before you charge this system you need to figure out what caused the switch to melt! You may have a compressor issue and with the cost of the R-12 you should have this checked before charging.
If you do need to replace the compressor, you should always replace the drier (or desiccant depending on the year and the system) before installing a new one! In either case, if the compressor takes a dump the metal always ends up in the drier.
Wow 28 years! Your front seal must have liked you!
28 years has to be some kind of record.
Sarasota, before you charge this system you need to figure out what caused the switch to melt! You may have a compressor issue and with the cost of the R-12 you should have this checked before charging.
If you do need to replace the compressor, you should always replace the drier (or desiccant depending on the year and the system) before installing a new one! In either case, if the compressor takes a dump the metal always ends up in the drier.
Wow 28 years! Your front seal must have liked you!
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