I just installed a new radiator into the wifeys 94 SL. Not really knowing what I was doing in the beginning I started unhooking everything I thought was radiator related. In the process I unhooked a metal hose connecting the (ac condenser, the thing that isin front of the radiator). Once unhooked it started blowing out cold air for a minute or so (I am guessing this was the freon) cause the ac is no longer cold. My question is can I recharge this myself by going to the local auto parts store and buying the freon or whatever they sell to recharge? Also where do I have to hook this up to, to get the ac blowing cold again? Summer is right around the corner here in Miami! Thanks

 

Rob,


Idon't think that you're going to like this.


I'm almost positive that 94's still had R12 rerigerant. The cheep cans that you buy at Walmart ar the newer R134A. These cans are a couple of bucks a pop. The R12 costs a small fortune and may not be available in FL. I don't know which states have totally banned them (I know that CA has).


Another issue that you'll have is that you really should evacuate the system before adding the refrigerant. You can rent a vacuum pump, but having some idea of what you're doing is helpfull.


My suggestion is to have a pro do it. They will probably recommend that you convert the system to R134A. They'll have to flush the system and replace the seals as the oil from the R12 is not compatible with that of R134. As long as nothing else is wrong with the system, the above shouldn't be too expensive but I doubt that you'll get away with less than a couple of hunderd dollars.

 

yeah, kinda like VETTE said, you are screwed. that r12 that was dumped is probably more valuable than gold. granted, i'm not a full timemechanic, but it's damn near impossible to come across r12 unless you have some good connections.