AC Condenser leaking?

[gadget73]

Yes, conversion adapters.

Ester oil is the R134a conversion oil. Mineral oil for R12. You can use either, R12 will give you somewhat better performance. 134a is a bit easier to get ahold of and its cheaper. R12 prices are not quite so retarded as they used to be, but you're not getting it for the $4 a can I got 134a for over the weekend.


If you're feeling experimental, a mid-later 90s condensor should be more efficient. Those are a multi-flow type that works better with R134a. Unfortunately I have no idea if the plumbing actually works out as I have not researched it at all. I figure I'll look into that if and when mine shits out on me unless I can convince someone else to try it first and let me know.

[His Royal Ghostliness]

Normally if the system is converted the fittings are the new larger fittings.

Oh I see what you mean, new R134-compatible parts should come with the new-style fittings from the factory?

[jaywish]

Not exactly.

The charging/vacuum fittings are different r12 vs r134.
The the fittings that connect one part to another vary by the specific car, like most parts.

There are two charge fittings, high side and low side. They are supposed to have caps on them Blue for low pressure side and red for high pressure side. Inside is a schrader valve similar to your tire valve.

Did anyone explain to you how to open a charged system? You don't want to get a facefull of refrigeration gas.

[87gtVIC]

My car needed to be topped off some years back and dad had a HUGE container of r12 at work but no way to bring it home other than transferring some in a used 134 can. (various hoses/fittings/hackery was used in the process). My car now sports 134 adaptors but still r12 because of all this. Did not remove the fitting because original schrader valve was stuck...would loose everything so the fittings remain. Really, all should be replaced but the car get used here and there and it aint of great concern.


Good luck with your repair.

[jaywish]

I knew there was something off about the Brown Blob but until now I didn't know what it was!

[gadget73]

Oh I see what you mean, new R134-compatible parts should come with the new-style fittings from the factory?

You might think so, but no. When I replaced all of the hoses and the drier for mine, the new parts had R12 fittings and still required retrofit bits. I'd prefer if it was native R134a fittings but the replacement parts duplicate the originals.

[His Royal Ghostliness]

That's kinda what I vaguely remembered as well, that's why I brought it up.

[Salty Dog]

Not exactly.

The charging/vacuum fittings are different r12 vs r134.
The the fittings that connect one part to another vary by the specific car, like most parts.

There are two charge fittings, high side and low side. They are supposed to have caps on them Blue for low pressure side and red for high pressure side. Inside is a schrader valve similar to your tire valve.

Did anyone explain to you how to open a charged system? You don't want to get a facefull of refrigeration gas.

No. I do not want gas in my face. Please explain

My car needed to be topped off some years back and dad had a HUGE container of r12 at work but no way to bring it home other than transferring some in a used 134 can. (various hoses/fittings/hackery was used in the process). My car now sports 134 adaptors but still r12 because of all this. Did not remove the fitting because original schrader valve was stuck...would loose everything so the fittings remain. Really, all should be replaced but the car get used here and there and it aint of great concern.


Good luck with your repair.

Thanks all. Not of great concern here either. I'll revisit when the time comes (probably between now and next summer). There are more pressing needs with this car than trying to get the AC a few degrees colder.

[gadget73]

There are 2 ways of discharging an AC system.

1) the right way. Have a shop use an AC machine to evacuate it.

2) the wrong way. Hook up a manifold gauge set without the charge hose connected to anything, and open the valves

[sly]

There are 2 ways of discharging an AC system.

1) the right way. Have a shop use an AC machine to evacuate it.

2) the wrong way. Hook up a manifold gauge set without the charge hose connected to anything, and open the valves

or

3) break something and have it leak out from that point.

[gadget73]

or 4) ignore the known leak and it will eventually go away on it's own.

[sly]

or 4) ignore the known leak and it will eventually go away on it's own.

[lincolnlarry]

If you don't work on it till next spring and it is cooling exactly the same as it is now, I would be tempted to just get it filled. Plus 1-2oz of oil also. Depending on what the fill costs for this gamble.