A/C Issues

[bosmob]

All the refrigerant leaked out of my system when I was in a crash and now it's starting to get warm here in Southern California.

I need to refill the system on my 93 V6 but I think that the previous owner already converted the system to r134 (which would make it so much easier for me)!

Is there a way I can tell if the system has r12 or 134? If it happens to be r12, where can I possibly get some freon?

 

[ChoochCharlie]

Check the nozzles. The new ones are bigger.
But, if the system is empty, then it will not just fill up with a kit. It needs to be evacuated to get the air out, then fill it, not to mention fixing the leaks.
As for r12, no one near me has the tools anymore. Forget it. Convert it.

 

[bosmob]

Check the nozzles. The new ones are bigger.
But, if the system is empty, then it will not just fill up with a kit. It needs to be evacuated to get the air out, then fill it, not to mention fixing the leaks.
As for r12, no one near me has the tools anymore. Forget it. Convert it.

Could you give me a comparison on the size difference? I looked at my high pressure and low pressure ones and they look like Schraeder valves. Am I looking at something completly different or are these supposed to look like Schraeder valves?

Sorry, I've never dealt with A/C before...

 

[nightmarearcade]

if its 134a the fittings should be two different size one big and one slightly smaller. and they usually have a red and blue cap for high and low side. also 134a connections clip on and r- 12 screw on. If you have r-12 the fittings should be about the same size one usually red and the other black or grey. And if it is r-12 you're better off converting because u need a licence to buy the freon ,besides i think they stop selling it any way.

 

[nightmarearcade]

here is a pic of the 134a fittings if it helps.

 

[ChoochCharlie]

You have the old ones if you describe them a schraeder valves.
On my S10 Blazer years ago, I had my garage do a "down and dirty" conversion.
They swapped the nozzles and ALL of the O rings as is needed. Then just kinda blew out the system with the compressor in the vehicle, pulled the required vacuum and put in the 134a.

Read up on the backyard conversion, most shade tree mechanics pull the compressor and try to get all of the old r12 oil out. r12 and 134a oil is not even close to compatible and mixing too much can mess up the system. The gaskets also MUST be changed, as again, compatibility is the issue. Once you are satisfied, take it to your shop of choice and get it charged up.
My guy did the whole deal, including a handshake that there was no guaranty, for $100.
My Chevy A/C then worked great with one more recharge for 2 years. Then the A/C went for good. But the truck was already headed to the scrapper anyway.

 

[bosmob]

Well, I was still running on r12 freon before the accident. I have those red and black nozzles that screw on.:dammit:

@ChoochCharlie: Do you still remember what the whole conversion cost?

 

[ChoochCharlie]

Yea. I paid him $100.
Worth it IMHO