Hey folks,

So I located some R12 and my can tap should be here today. I also bought one of those cheesy gauges which is basically a tire checker with some lines painted on it.

I currently have ~100 lbs on the high side and ~0 on the low side with the AC running. The compressor turns, and the lines get cool, but no cold air comes out.

At any rate, I believe that I charge on the low side port up against the firewall, with the engine running and the AC on max with a little throttle and the can right side up. I believe I want to charge until the high side is ~200 lbs and the low side is...well, whatever it says on the gauge package...can't remember right now.

At any rate, I plan to do this this afternoon...does anyone have any pointers or corrections for me?

Thanks!

damon

 

Even if the A/C compressor is turning the A/C compressor "clutch" (on the front of it) MUST BE engaging for it to even suck any freon out.

Because it has 0 psi in it, the A/C compressor is probably not even engaging and you're gonna have to hot wire it temporaily to get it to come on and suck the freon up, Basicly, you're just bypassing all the switches and putting 12v right to the compressor to make the clutch engage.

You should be able to See/hear/feel the A/C compressor kick on .

 

Huh. when the button is off, the clutch on the front doesn't go around with the belt, right? Well, when the button is pushed for the AC the front of the clutch does indeed turn...at least that's what I thought I observed.

 

The Belt/Pulley on the A/C compressor WILL ALWAYS turn but theres a little "disc" shaped part pretruding from the front of the A/C compressor about 1/4" and that's the clutch. That has to engage for anything to happen,

 

Right, the plate on the front turns when I engage the AC button.

 

Yeah, so I put a 12 oz can of R12 in. Pretty easy scenario...just had to get the right tap for the can...which took about...oh, 2 days too long (could have REALLY used it by Tuesday).

Anyway, I had purchased 2 cans from a guy on Craigslist. Well, one was empty...doh! Guess it just leaked out over the years. Bummer. I got the other can in the truck and it made a world of difference. It's not freezing like I'd like it to be, but it is certainly colder than it was. I don't have a real gauge, but I have one of those tire checkers for the ac system and it got the high side from ~100 psi to ~150. I think it's supposed to be ~200, so that other can suuuuure would have come in handy.

 

Hello. R-12 @36 psi Low side will yield a 40* evap coil temp. Hate to say it but you are lucky to aquire R-12 without a EPA liscense. Because the fines could be not pretty. If you don't get another can of 12 and dont want to retro 134a. If you know someone in the HVAC/R field you can use Hot shot 12 which is a drop in for R-12. Known as R-414b its R-12 based. If you ever down in the AC area I could charge your system for you. I have a boat load of it LOL!

Good Luck,

John

 

That right there is good to know

 

You need to add R-12 and genuine R-12 only untill the sight glass just clears.

Anyone can get an EPA license, for me it was $35.00 and a simple test (at least for me) I am a card carrying member.

Then you can purchase refrigerant legally.

Just too bad you don't live down below the border, the stuff is legal and plentiful.

Jim

 

Pm sent , haha

 

R-12 is legal and plentiful in California ????? wow...you'd think with all the tree huggers there and all the "Green" laws, that R12 would be banned.

 

I dont really think he meant california

 

Mexican R12 sucks edit!!! It is propane based and VERY flammable! I used Freeze 12 in mine and like it better than R12 or the other drop in. If your suction side (low side) is 0 you are prolly still to low. How much does your truck say it needs? Mine says 38 ounces (Freeze12 uses 10% less). Is you inside fan running? If not your pressure will drop to nothing becuase the refrgerant pressure is too low.

 

I missed the part where he said "below the line"

 

Another good R12 Drop in replacement is "Enviro-Safe". Works real good.