Years ago I purchased 8 cans of R-12 for my C-4 and now I would like to charge my air condition system. I have the devise or hose to do this with but no gauge. So I came to CF to find out if any of y'all have done this and what are the concerns. I know to wear goggles just in case. I checked and amazon is selling R-12 and I thought it was against the law.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Rappini

 

Have you repaired the leak?

 

Do not release R12 to the atmosphere, have this done by a ac shop if converting to 134.

 

Not sure I have a leak it's the original system It still keeps it cool but not cold, so I thought I would give it boost since I have the R-12.

 

Not converting since I have 8 cans of R-12.

 

Kind of hard to do without a set of gauges, I know Harbor Freight has them and they aren't terribly expensive. I take it that you system is holding a vaccum. My dad has a stockpile of R-12 that he uses on his Grand National. And he buys every can he can find at swap meets. But it's going to be hard to charge without a set of gauges.

D.

 

You're the second post that mentioned the gauges so I guess I will get some gauges, thanks.

 

Reading your posts I can probably assume you have limited AC experience and knowledge of operation. That’s OK and wanting to learn is good and maintaining the car. You probably know R12 is expensive and don’t want to waste any. The center port on the gauges is for a port so you can attach the can of Freon to the system. All hoses need to be purged before usage.

Before you go blasting and adding R12 there are primary things and checks that can be done visually. You actual need to know if the system might need R12. This is done with a set of gauges and a knowledge of how to use them. Not good to charge a system that’s full. The gauges will indicate what pressures it cycles at and how often. R12 cycles at 25 psi and re-engages at 50.

Start the engine, turn AC to max and visually look at the compressor to see how often it cycles. Every 5 or 6 seconds might be too much and it might just need Freon. Is the fat pipes ice cold as well as the accumulator? If the compressor stays engaged and you rev the engine and it cycles that’s a good indication of normal operation. If it does not it may need Freon but the gauges will help you determine this.

As for the gauges, you can find then new and used, they have been around for decades. They will also be for R22 Freon. If you buy used make sure the hoses are in good shape. Pawn shops usually have lots of these gauges at a good price. You will also need a piercing valve and adaptor hose to screw on to the gauges.

Go watch several YouTube's on how to put Freon in your system. It will help you see how it's done and hopefully avoid some mistakes. (sorry to say there are some videos that are bad like if they don’t purge the hoses before connection).

 

I've found it hard to find a good A/C tech, and while not rocket science, there's a reason so few good shops exist. Why most systems lose cooling capacity is leakage, which includes oil for the compressor. Adding Freon is oft a temporary repair and in agreement with good advice here, complete leak testing is essential. Some cans include oil, but the amount is critical; needs to be rather exact. There's no way to measure quantity in the system, without a complete draining and cleaning, then add a precise amount.

I had a link to an online A/C tech certification course, and despite owning gauges, I had a good professional complete the testing and charging. When my sytem was vacuum tested for leaks, it passed but under pressure (obviously opposite of vacuum) it leaked. Indicator dye is okay,l but it is difficultto impossible to visually inspect every posible leak area. (Ask the guy with the special leak goggles, too.)

After decades, I found a shop that tests compressors' life remaining and rebuilds as necessary; well beyond the local grease monkey's capability. That path was far less frustrating, and rewarding that doing, redoing many times, with poor result.

Sometimes, more expensive, isn't, especially when freon is involved.