Read all the posts on the forum. Been working on our coach (77 Kingsley, 403, had it almost two years now) and have left the repair of the dash AC for a later date. However, it would be nice to figure out if our system is the OEM system that used R12 or if it was converted by a PO to something newer. Is there an easy way to tell what system we have? We understand the ports are different for R12 and 134A. Are there any pictures of each one so we could tell by looking at them? Or is there another way to tell without having a mechanic some how bleed some refrigerant out and test it? We have no idea if there's any left as it doesn't work at all, no cool air.

Thanks as always.

mickey szilagyi wrote on Thu, 07 August 2014 05:35

Read all the posts on the forum. Been working on our coach (77 Kingsley, 403, had it almost two years now) and have left the repair of the dash AC for a later date. However, it would be nice to figure out if our system is the OEM system that used R12 or if it was converted by a PO to something newer. Is there an easy way to tell what system we have? We understand the ports are different for R12 and 134A. Are there any pictures of each one so we could tell by looking at them? Or is there another way to tell without having a mechanic some how bleed some refrigerant out and test it? We have no idea if there's any left as it doesn't work at all, no cool air.

Thanks as always.

If it doesn't have 134 adapters attached to the R12 fittings it should have had R12 in it. If someone put Duracool or a similar refrigerant in it it would have a propane smell to the gas but if it is flat you can't tell. Just fix the source of the leak and recharge with Duracool. You may also need a dryer if it is flat empty.

Problem with the above...
The propane and isobutane used are not "odorized".

Mickey,
If there is not any residual pressure, test for leaks before you do much else. Then, after your find one or more, change the drier and fill.

Matt - at the tire store

No, Duracool doesn't smell like citrus it smells like propane
Emery Stora

emerystora wrote on Thu, 07 August 2014 12:19

No, Duracool doesn't smell like citrus it smells like propane
Emery Stora

Must have been another HC based refrigerant that said theirs smells like citrus. Just checked the Duracool site and they say Duracool has Mercaptan added, so should stink like household propane or butane or natural gas.

Again, you don't want to sniff the refrigerant on purpose in case it is R-134a which is toxic.