A/C repair & restoration options

Pete_89T2 · 07-13-2011, 07:29 PM

Here's an quick update on my A/C problem. The stock fan clutch works fine, as does the aux. e-fan for the A/C condensor, and all the ducting is in place. Picked up a loaner manifold/gauge set at my local Advance auto parts store and did a little A/C testing this past weekend per the FSM.

Before doing the FSM tests, I did a quick static pressure check (engine not running/AC off) to estimate how much freon leaked out. The high & low sides were equal at about 86 psi, and the ambient temperature was about 85*F. So that tells me I should have at least 50~75% of a full charge. If it was much lower, it would mean a greater % of the freon leaked out.

Then I did the running test, A/C on max, 1500 RPM per FSM, and my low side pressure was 6 psi, high was 110 psi. FSM states recommended action for those results is to evacuate system, check for leaks & recharge system. Since I don't have a vacuum pump or any means to recover my R12, what I'm going to do is just recharge it myself with R12 and see how long it lasts. One can should do the trick, R12 can be had easily enough on ebay, albeit it's getting pricey.

BTW, I did some research on Freeze-12 and other R12 alternatives out there, and I would not recommend using Freeze-12 or any of the similar alternatives that are based on hydrocarbon gases. Most of these are highly flammable, based on butane, propane and other HC gas blends. The idea of running a flammable gas at high pressures thru crash vulnerable areas of the car and into the passenger compartment is a bit scary.

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07-13-2011, 07:29 PM	#1
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 874 Rep Power: 16	Here's an quick update on my A/C problem. The stock fan clutch works fine, as does the aux. e-fan for the A/C condensor, and all the ducting is in place. Picked up a loaner manifold/gauge set at my local Advance auto parts store and did a little A/C testing this past weekend per the FSM. Before doing the FSM tests, I did a quick static pressure check (engine not running/AC off) to estimate how much freon leaked out. The high & low sides were equal at about 86 psi, and the ambient temperature was about 85*F. So that tells me I should have at least 50~75% of a full charge. If it was much lower, it would mean a greater % of the freon leaked out. Then I did the running test, A/C on max, 1500 RPM per FSM, and my low side pressure was 6 psi, high was 110 psi. FSM states recommended action for those results is to evacuate system, check for leaks & recharge system. Since I don't have a vacuum pump or any means to recover my R12, what I'm going to do is just recharge it myself with R12 and see how long it lasts. One can should do the trick, R12 can be had easily enough on ebay, albeit it's getting pricey. BTW, I did some research on Freeze-12 and other R12 alternatives out there, and I would not recommend using Freeze-12 or any of the similar alternatives that are based on hydrocarbon gases. Most of these are highly flammable, based on butane, propane and other HC gas blends. The idea of running a flammable gas at high pressures thru crash vulnerable areas of the car and into the passenger compartment is a bit scary.