AC recharge?

[shiboujin]

My AC system works, I can press on the valve and I can hear the refrigerant spewing out but the AC doesn't blow cold. What is the cheapest solution to get my AC blowing cold again?

[Alkasquawlik]

There is a ton of information on this, but alot of the things I've read are misleading.

I know our cars came with R12, and you can go to a shop to get a recharge of R12 which costs $150-250 (from the prices I've been quoted)

or

You can convert to R134a. This is where alot of the information I've read contradict each other.

I need to recharge my shit too. Being in LA without it sucks.

[shiboujin]

I haven't been able to find a place that can recharge straight R12. Most like freeze 12 have R134a in it which (from my reading) will kill seals in time anyway.

But it sounds like converting to R134a requires almost all new parts ($$$).

Sounds like either I lose or I get a AC for a few weeks for $200+.

[Alkasquawlik]

See this is where a I get confused.

You say converting costs alot of money. My friend said he converted to R134a for around $50 by himself. The conversion kit (~ $35) and 2 bottles of refrigerant (~ $8 each).

Alot of people who say they recharge with R12 say it lasts for years, but you say it's only for a few weeks.

[shiboujin]

Well thats my point for posting. I was told that, unless you have vacuum equipment and such, that you need a new compressor, evap, etc for R134a. I don't know how much of that is true or not.

Also, if I can get straight R12 and not stuff like Freeze 12, and my seals are straight. I should be good. But without a friend that has a license to distribute, how can I get the CFC loving R12?

[KenC]

Find a shop that has R12.

[Alkasquawlik]

People who have had a shop recharge with R12, how much did it cost you?

[Dirtbleed]

$50 to pressure test the system and around $100 worth of R-12. $150 total.

[Alkasquawlik]

$50 to pressure test the system and around $100 worth of R-12. $150 total.

fuckers.
all the shops down here in LA have quoted me around $250.

[naplesE30]

I went to a shop and they vac out all the r12. Recharged with r134a no seals or any new parts. 1 year later its still blowing cold. Cost me $125.