| A/C recharging options [message #256039] |
Mon, 21 July 2014 17:29  |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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I haven't had to charge an AC unit in a long time and was wondering what options are available for our older systems. Is there a freon compatible gas we can use? If so, is it freely available?
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: A/C recharging options [message #256047 is a reply to message #256039] |
Mon, 21 July 2014 18:11  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Three choices.
1. Chase down elusive R-12. No longer made. 4 cans just came up on local Craig's List for $25 each.
2. Convert fitting, change oil and move to R-134.
3. Convert fitting (from R-12 to R-134). Fill with Duracool or similiar product. Search net for Duracool and read the discussion.
It is reported that Duracool and similiar products out-perform R-12 and R-134.
Your results may vary.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: A/C recharging options [message #256136 is a reply to message #256047] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 18:07 |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
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Tom,
I picked up the new fittings today and a bottle of r-134. I will let you know how it comes out. I am really hoping that the system is solid as I can't afford major A/C problems at the moment!
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: A/C recharging options [message #256144 is a reply to message #256039] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:05 |
lotsofspareparts
Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA
Karma: -9
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I am curious about this as well, my compressor is not oem, replaced in the early 90's and am sure I still have an R-12 system. The compressor kicks on when the AC is on so I know there is still pressure in the system but the vents blow just slightly cold air.
Waiting to hear how it turns out....... and a quick question, does the old refrigerant have to be completely vacuumed out before switching over?
Jared
Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter.....
77 Eleganza II "Recherché".....
73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
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| Re: [GMCnet] A/C recharging options [message #256146 is a reply to message #256144] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:12 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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If it contains R-12 for certain, Duracool can be used to top it off. If it
has R-134, and the correct oil for that, then the system needs to be
evacuated and flushed. Then a new charge of oil added that is compatible
with duracool. I would STRONGLY SUGGEST that the receiver/dryer also be
replaced as well as the system O rings. Jwiwd.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or.
On Jul 22, 2014 5:05 PM, "Jared" wrote:
> I am curious about this as well, my compressor is not oem, replaced in the
> early 90's and am sure I still have an R-12 system. The compressor kicks on
> when the AC is on so I know there is still pressure in the system but the
> vents blow just slightly cold air.
>
> Waiting to hear how it turns out....... and a quick question, does the old
> refrigerant have to be completely vacuumed out before switching over?
>
> Jared
> --
> Jared & Tina Lazaron + 7yr old Daughter.
>
> 77 Eleganza II "Recherché" Winterfeldt 455, Holley ProJection, Doug
> Thorley Headers, 3in exhaust, Switch Pitch, Alcoas, ONAN 6.5 Emerald
> series, CMC
> Restoration
>
> GO SEAHAWKS!!
>
> Arlington, WA 98223
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: A/C recharging options [message #256148 is a reply to message #256039] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:23 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
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My R-134 system did not blow hard, and did not blow cold. I was just on the brink of spending thousands on a new vintage air HVAC. While measuring for this gargantuan project, I found that the directional box, the part of the system inside behind the dash, was cracked and basically spilling what little cool air there was, behind the dash. I removed the glovebox, worked out the unit, rehabbed, and replaced the ducting with new stuff with no holes. Since I went to all that trouble, I pulled the front off the HVac - under the hood - and cleaned, sealed and insulated, and also fixed the vent door so it is now recirculate only.
I now have a passable a/c, really a remarkable difference both in temp and volume. Spent less than $50, but it was a good bit of work. My advice is to do what you can with what you have first, esp if you have a functional charge, compressor and condenser, and even more so if you still have r-12. Go from there.
I will add the aux vintage air unit from Jimk and co next year, before the heat.
Jeff
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: A/C recharging options [message #256150 is a reply to message #256148] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:33 |
lotsofspareparts
Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA
Karma: -9
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If a system has been switched over to R-134 by someone qualified to make the swap, a legitimate shop perhaps, are the charge fittings changed as well?
Jared
Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter.....
77 Eleganza II "Recherché".....
73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
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| Re: [GMCnet] A/C recharging options [message #256151 is a reply to message #256150] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:39 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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There are fittings available to convert what was fitted on the GMC to
R-134. Also charging manifold hoses that do the same thing. Several ways to
go here.
Jim Hupy
On Jul 22, 2014 5:33 PM, "Jared" wrote:
> If a system has been switched over to R-134 by someone qualified to make
> the swap, a legitimate shop perhaps, are the charge fittings changed as
> well?
>
> Jared
> --
> Jared & Tina Lazaron + 7yr old Daughter.
>
> 77 Eleganza II "Recherché" Winterfeldt 455, Holley ProJection, Doug
> Thorley Headers, 3in exhaust, Switch Pitch, Alcoas, ONAN 6.5 Emerald
> series, CMC
> Restoration
>
> GO SEAHAWKS!!
>
> Arlington, WA 98223
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] A/C recharging options [message #256152 is a reply to message #256150] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:40 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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It's "illegal" to convert to R-134a without changing the fittings. It's
also "illegal" to go directly from R-12 to Duracool (or other). Which
means that the only (possibly) "legal" way to make the conversion from R-12
to Duracool is to convert to R-134a (perhaps without using any), then
change to Duracool -- KEEPING the R-134a fittings.
You'll have to visit the EPA web site and determine for yourself what
"legal" and "illegal" mean -- and that varies by state. :-) :-(
But Duracool (HC-12a) cools better than R-12 and far better than R-134a,
with less leakage and less horsepower wasted.
Ken H.
On Tue, Jul 2
2, 2014 at 8:33 PM, Jared wrote:
> If a system has been switched over to R-134 by someone qualified to make
> the swap, a legitimate shop perhaps, are the charge fittings changed as
> well?
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] A/C recharging options [message #256153 is a reply to message #256146] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:51 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Jim Hupy writes:
"" If it
has R-134, and the correct oil for that, then the system needs to be
evacuated and flushed. Then a new charge of oil added that is compatible
with duracool""
What??
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: A/C recharging options [message #256154 is a reply to message #256039] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:55 |
lotsofspareparts
Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA
Karma: -9
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Senior Member |
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What I am saying is that my system has the R-12 screw on fittings. I can confirm that the compressor was replaced in the early 90-s when R-12 was still mainstream.
No one around here sells duracool, but am waiting to hear back for 3 12oz bottles of R-12 on CL for $50. I already have the clamp on hose for R-12 so I may as go that route.
Jared
Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter.....
77 Eleganza II "Recherché".....
73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
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| Re: A/C recharging options [message #256155 is a reply to message #256150] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:57 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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lotsofspareparts wrote on Tue, 22 July 2014 18:33If a system has been switched over to R-134 by someone qualified to make the swap, a legitimate shop perhaps, are the charge fittings changed as well?
Jared
Most of us have switched from R 12 to R 134 with decent results. Early hype about the bad things that will happen to you and your citizenship have proved not to be true. Because of the fittings needed to connect the cans, adapters will probably be on your coach if it was switched. Additionally many of us have gone directly fron R134 to Duracool with great results and no flushing nor evacuating unless the system was opened up to the atmosphere.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: A/C recharging options [message #256156 is a reply to message #256154] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 19:58 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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lotsofspareparts wrote on Tue, 22 July 2014 18:55What I am saying is that my system has the R-12 screw on fittings. I can confirm that the compressor was replaced in the early 90-s when R-12 was still mainstream.
No one around here sells duracool, but am waiting to hear back for 3 12oz bottles of R-12 on CL for $50. I already have the clamp on hose for R-12 so I may as go that route.
Jared
That should work just fine !
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: A/C recharging options [message #256162 is a reply to message #256150] |
Tue, 22 July 2014 20:36 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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lotsofspareparts wrote on Tue, 22 July 2014 17:33If a system has been switched over to R-134 by someone qualified to make the swap, a legitimate shop perhaps, are the charge fittings changed as well?
Jared
Crazy thing about 134 fittings when I converted 2 5o ton R12 machines in Santa Monica over to 134 20 years ago it wasn't a requirement to change the fittings heck the 30 pound 134 cylinders have the same fittings as R12. All that was required to satisfy officially was to add 134 tags to the equipment. I suppose vehicles have a different requirement. In order for me to charge a vehicle I connect my 134 tank to my R12 style hose and add a 134 adaptor to the charging hose where it connects to the vehicle . If the vehicle has R12 fittings I'm good to go no adapters needed unless I'm using those little cans.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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