re charging A/C

[flyfishz]

What does it take to recharge the A/C on a 89 240?

What is the basic process? Anybody done this latley?

[khmaikid]

First of all dont deal with the R-12 refrigerant system you have now, go to your local auto store and find the R-12 to R-134a conversion because R-12 is very illegal now and take it from there!

[flyfishz]

I already have 2 cans of R12 plus 1 can r-12 oil charge

I just need to know how much to use and how to get it into the A/C unit

[khmaikid]

I guess,... well take a good look at the inside of the hood, I believe thats what I did it should have details, if not your out of luck...

[flyfishz]

anybody else got any tips here?

[fiznat]

the r-32a retrofit kits are only like $35 or so from a local parts store, and they have little guages that will tell you when you're full.

plus even if you have r12 cans, you need to find a way to dispose of the stuff still in your system....

[flyfishz]

so with the kit I just add new stuff, or do I have to discharge all the old R-12?

What about the R12 oil stuff?

[stretch240sx]

plus even if you have r12 cans, you need to find a way to dispose of the stuff still in your system....

[flyfishz]

missed that day at school i guess...

[DAEDALUS]

Don't do a $35 conversion unless you're OK with your system failing within a year. The 2 don't mix. You'll have to flush the system to do it right, replace all the seals, all the rubber hoses, and maybe even the compressor if it's not designed for R-134a. It is cheaper to keep it stock R-12, even if you have to fix a leak or 2. As far as DIY, I don't remember if it's legal to do it yourself, but if it is, then you could just add half a can at a time till it stops getting better. It is definitely not legal to vent any refrigerants. Note that if there's anything wrong with your system other than low R-12, you'll just be wasting the stuff you have.

Add a proportionate amount of oil based on how much R-12 you have to add. Not the most precise way, but if you're set on DIY...

[soilwork240sx]

First of all dont deal with the R-12 refrigerant system you have now, go to your local auto store and find the R-12 to R-134a conversion because R-12 is very illegal now and take it from there!

r12 isnt illegal. i buy it all the time.

[flyfishz]

How bad could it be if I just add a can of R12 to the existing system? I remember this is what my dad used to do... seemed to work back then...

[DAEDALUS]

If you overfill it the dual pressure switch might cut off, preventing the AC from working at all. Worstcase, you could damage the compressor or have a line burst. Probably won't happen, but not a chance I would take. Seems a waste if you're not certain low freon is the problem.

[soilwork240sx]

first thing you always need to do when you think the refrigerant is low is get gauges and check it.

[yellow_jacket]

The R-12 itself isn't illegal. It is just illegal to make it or import it into the US anymore. Plus you have to have a license to buy it. Some people may let you, but it is still illegal. Do 240's have a sight glass? If so you can fill it that way, or you can try and go by pressure.

And if your system is low enough to need two cans of R12 then you probably have a pretty decent leak. Without looking I would say the stock charge is 2 lbs, maybe a few ounces more. Did you take this system apart? Or did it just leak out. If it just leaked out I would say save your $60, find the leak and then fix it properly. Then you can think about converting it or leaving the stock refrigerant. Personally I like using R12 because it is a much better refrigerant than R134a.

Back to your other question: can you just add one can. You can, you can also add an extra quart of oil to your car next time you change the oil. Will you see any immediate effects, maybe not but in the long run you're screwed.

[flyfishz]

ok thanks for the clear answers. I bought two cans of r-12 and a 1 can of r-12 oil charge with the refill kit for $30 on ebay

I will get the system checked before I do anything else. based on that feedback I will either charge or repair then charge