Recharging an A/C system

[clydeyb]

Does anyone know what method or what type of took up is needed for R12 Freon cans? It does not appear to use the same hose hook up as R134? Anyone have any experience or know how it's done? Based on pictures of R12 Freon cans I don't see how you would recharge an A/C system using the cans. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JAKE]

In order to buy R12 you'll need a license or, by law, the guy behind the counter can't sell it to you.

If your car originally came with R12 you can convert it to 134a by buying an adapter kit that will allow the 134a cans to screw on.

If your car came with 134a you should stick with it and not back retro-fit your system to use R12.

The two different types of freon are not compatible with each other and will cause all sorts of problems if they are mixed. Changing from R12 to 134a calls for changing a few parts, too, since any residual R12 has to be completely eliminated.

I don't recall the actual names of those parts, but I'm sure someone on this Forum who's UP on A/C can tell you which ones they are.

Most auto parts stores sells both the 134a and the hose kit needed to connect the 134a can to the car's system. Guys at most of the bigger auto parts stores, like AutoZone and O'Reilly's can walk you through the procedure and will probably know what parts you'll need too.

If your car is a 93, it's setup with 134a and the connection is made on the low pressure side. Passenger side hose, slightly to the rear and above the tire in the engine compartment.

Hope this helps.

Jake

 

[doublefoxed]

First off it's not just a simple as dumping in a can of freon. You
need to know what you are doing and need a good set of manifold
gauges. Just a hose with a gauge from autozone will not help. No
disrespect but from your question of how to hook up a can of r12
I take you have no knowledge of how to properly charge the system.
Take it to a qualified person to save money in the long run or a friend
who knows how to properly charge it. Many systems come into the shop
because they have been overcharged from one of those damn gauges
from autozone etc.

Parts needed to convert.
New charge ends for 134
new o rings
new orifice tube
new receiver dryer
a good system flush
you have to then pull a vacuum
Oil for the system
Good set of manifold gauges
r134 a.
last but not least... patience... you can't just dump it in.

Again I am not trying to be disrepectfull in anyway, I am trying to
save you the cost of a new compressor or killing yourself.

 

[doublefoxed]

oh 1 more thing if you are talking about a 1 pound can or
a 25# jug the cans hook up the same exact way as 134..
no size difference at all

 

[Hot Rod Roy]

If you don't know the difference between the charging ports for R12 and R134, you should leave this job to a professional. This is one area you can get hurt, or cause some expensive damage. Find a good AC shop! That will save you a bunch of money!

 

[clydeyb]

Does anyone know what method or what type of took up is needed for R12 Freon cans? It does not appear to use the same hose hook up as R134? Anyone have any experience or know how it's done? Based on pictures of R12 Freon cans I don't see how you would recharge an A/C system using the cans. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Guys,
What I was really trying to ask about was the hook up to the R12 freon cans only. I have a set of Autozone R134 recharging kit (gauges) but was not sure if the R12 cans (as I don't have the cans at this time) hooked up to the gauges the same way. Sorry and thanks for the help and advice.

 

[LVMYVT76]

there is a small clapish piece that hooks to the r-12 can top, it will then attach to the charging hose. We used to buy them at automotive stores years ago as a charging kit, when r-12 was $.98 a can!

 

[doublefoxed]

the same screw on puncture kit works for your r12 can as you 134.. they
both screw on then puncture can for the feed line. Only difference in hook ups is the 134 is quick connect vs r12 thread to schrader valve connect.


oh and I ain't but in my 40's and I remember paying 75cents a can
at Kmart for r12....

 

[toptechx6]

Guys,
What I was really trying to ask about was the hook up to the R12 freon cans only. I have a set of Autozone R134 recharging kit (gauges) but was not sure if the R12 cans (as I don't have the cans at this time) hooked up to the gauges the same way. Sorry and thanks for the help and advice.

Sounds like you are refering to the difference in can taps, the small 134A cans have a screw on type top, the R12 can is smooth.
I'm not sure the old style that clamps on the top and punctures the can is still available, but they do make a side puncture style that has hose fittings for both R12 and 134A.
The charging hose screws on the large freon tanks or small can tap adapter no matter what type of refrigerant you use, the 134A quick disconnect fittings are only used on the vehicle connection side.

 

[doublefoxed]

You can also buy a can clamp. It clamps around the can then you screw into the can.

I did however have a brain fart and maybe someone could make a sticky
with this... but I have used this stuff before freeze 12 r12,FREEZE12 COMPATIBLE R12 REPLACEMENT A/C REFRIGERANT you will not need a liscense.