Mistake when charging the A/C system
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 6
From: Santa Ana CA
Mistake when charging the A/C system
Yesterday I completed my R12 to R134a conversion on my 1981, and was charging the system.
When I was changing from the 2nd bottle to the third bottle, I realized that I forgot to turn off the low pressure valve before disconnecting the bottle. It was just for a few seconds, but worried I got air in the system.
Is there a way I can purge that air with total evacuation and starting over?
Also, is there a way to test after the charge to make sure I have both the right amount of oil and the right amount of coolant in the system?
When I was changing from the 2nd bottle to the third bottle, I realized that I forgot to turn off the low pressure valve before disconnecting the bottle. It was just for a few seconds, but worried I got air in the system.
Is there a way I can purge that air with total evacuation and starting over?
Also, is there a way to test after the charge to make sure I have both the right amount of oil and the right amount of coolant in the system?
Last edited by Zero1Niner; Jun 11, 2017 at 07:30 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,728
Likes: 1,379
well, since you get cans of R-134a for less than 8 bucks at walmart I would probably just give it a shot and see if it cools.
How many cans is the system going to take (total ounces)?
As part of your conversion did you empty old system, clean internals(I did mine with brakekleen- then blew with compressed air), and then evacuate?
OR did you just do a quickie conversion?
In other words-- Did you empty out all the old oil?
You need to determine how much oil your system holds and then you can use the R-134a pressurized oil cans to add the oil.
BUT I suggest you determine how much oil your system takes before you go any further. You don't want to overcharge because will not function to cool as well.
How many cans is the system going to take (total ounces)?
As part of your conversion did you empty old system, clean internals(I did mine with brakekleen- then blew with compressed air), and then evacuate?
OR did you just do a quickie conversion?
In other words-- Did you empty out all the old oil?
You need to determine how much oil your system holds and then you can use the R-134a pressurized oil cans to add the oil.
BUT I suggest you determine how much oil your system takes before you go any further. You don't want to overcharge because will not function to cool as well.
Last edited by carriljc; Jun 11, 2017 at 09:37 PM. Reason: add question about emptying out old oil
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 6
From: Santa Ana CA
well, since you get cans of R-134a for less than 8 bucks at walmart I would probably just give it a shot and see if it cools.
How many cans is the system going to take (total ounces)?
As part of your conversion did you empty old system, clean internals(I did mine with brakekleen- then blew with compressed air), and then evacuate?
OR did you just do a quickie conversion?
In other words-- Did you empty out all the old oil?
You need to determine how much oil your system holds and then you can use the R-134a pressurized oil cans to add the oil.
BUT I suggest you determine how much oil your system takes before you go any further. You don't want to overcharge because will not function to cool as well.
How many cans is the system going to take (total ounces)?
As part of your conversion did you empty old system, clean internals(I did mine with brakekleen- then blew with compressed air), and then evacuate?
OR did you just do a quickie conversion?
In other words-- Did you empty out all the old oil?
You need to determine how much oil your system holds and then you can use the R-134a pressurized oil cans to add the oil.
BUT I suggest you determine how much oil your system takes before you go any further. You don't want to overcharge because will not function to cool as well.
So total of 6oz of pag150 (not sure if all 3oz from the pressurized can made it in, but close), and ~45oz of coolant made it in I believe.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 6
From: Santa Ana CA
Last edited by Zero1Niner; Jun 12, 2017 at 12:16 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
The low pressure side is still higher pressure than atmosphere - so you let gas escape, you did not let air in.
