A/C system refresh

[s2cmpugh]

Hey everyone. So my a/c compressor is making some howling noises and needs to be replaced. Currently the system is still on r-12 and blows decently cold, but I'm pretty sure it can blow colder, particularly when on fresh air. Here is my plan after safely removing the r-12:

1. Replace compressor (new denso united with new clutch)
2. Replace drier
3. Remove evaporator core, clean, and replace expansion valve
4. Pull a hard vacuum on the system to remove any moisture and make sure my repairs are good
5. Refill using either RedTek http://www.redtek.com/products_refr.html# or Envirosafe 12a industrial http://autorefrigerants.com/co00033.htm

Here is my question for people here, has anyone used either product and if so, how do you like it?

Also, RedTek says to charge into a "0" atmosphere system, but won't the outside air inside the system create problems and reduce cooling capacity?

[BurtonRiderT6]

I'm not sure if it's a national or state law but here in VA you can't buy R12 unless you are qualified and licensed for HVAC.

In regards to your fresh air cooling, you mean when you're not recirculating internal air correct? Cooling outside air should never be colder than cooling inside air.

[s2cmpugh]

I'm not sure if it's a national or state law but here in VA you can't buy R12 unless you are qualified and licensed for HVAC.

In regards to your fresh air cooling, you mean when you're not recirculating internal air correct? Cooling outside air should never be colder than cooling inside air.

I'm not going to use R-12 anymore, it's an R-12 substitute. As far as cooling goes, I had another cb7 that cooled better than this one, so I know it's possible to get some colder air out of the system.

[Raf99]

I'm not going to use R-12 anymore, it's an R-12 substitute. As far as cooling goes, I had another cb7 that cooled better than this one, so I know it's possible to get some colder air out of the system.

wow. Today I learnt something new. I'd love to know if this stuff works too as I always wanted to redo my AC.

[s2cmpugh]

The replacement stuff goes by Red Tek12a, or Envriosafe 12a, or something else. A google search will pop up a bunch of stuff. It does cool very well, but is an HFC, so it can ignite; but then again, so can R-134a (which in my opinion is crap junk).

Do you research on it and make your own choice, but most people seem to like using it assuming your a/c system is in good shape.

[Raf99]

The replacement stuff goes by Red Tek12a, or Envriosafe 12a, or something else. A google search will pop up a bunch of stuff. It does cool very well, but is an HFC, so it can ignite; but then again, so can R-134a (which in my opinion is crap junk).

Do you research on it and make your own choice, but most people seem to like using it assuming your a/c system is in good shape.

Do you know why garages don't carry this?
If you bring some to a AC/Garage place, will they install it into your system for you?

[Raf99]

How weird that this caught my eye when at the parts store tonight..
anyone know how many of these one would need to do a full refill?

[Losiracer2]

If you have a 93 EX or SE, make sure you get the correct compressor. I had HUGE issues trying to find some locally. Originally bought a Denso and the line routing is totally different than the OEM Hadsys that mine came with.

I was able to get some cans of R12 through craigslist for pretty cheap, ~25 a can. Took two cans. I found some larger 14oz ones so that thankfully made me not have to purchase a third.

[Raf99]

If you have a 93 EX or SE, make sure you get the correct compressor. I had HUGE issues trying to find some locally. Originally bought a Denso and the line routing is totally different than the OEM Hadsys that mine came with.

I was able to get some cans of R12 through craigslist for pretty cheap, ~25 a can. Took two cans. I found some larger 14oz ones so that thankfully made me not have to purchase a third.

So one would need 5 cans of the RedTek?
$16.99x5= $84.95 (+tax) = avg $100

[Losiracer2]

So one would need 5 cans of the RedTek?
$16.99x5= $84.95 (+tax) = avg $100

well system sticker says it takes 28-30oz of R12, but idk if that stuff you have has the same properties as R12.

[Raf99]

well system sticker says it takes 28-30oz of R12, but idk if that stuff you have has the same properties as R12.

True. These cans are 6oz, so one would need 5 cans. I'm still curious if anyone has ever tried this stuff? I'm tempted....

[Losiracer2]

True. These cans are 6oz, so one would need 5 cans. I'm still curious if anyone has ever tried this stuff? I'm tempted....

we usually have Freeze 12 here in the US that most people use as an alternative, but I heard that it doesn't cool as well as R12 so when I replaced my compressor back in August, I searched long and hard for cans of the R12.

I bought a couple from an old guy about 30 miles away who's had it for at least 20 yrs. Funny to see a sticker on it for 3.95 from a grocery store. I'm keeping that one as a spare haha

[s2cmpugh]

Do you know why garages don't carry this?
If you bring some to a AC/Garage place, will they install it into your system for you?

Garages don't carry it probably because it is not EPA approved down here in the states, among other issues. Again, do your own research regarding Red Tek and ES-12a to learn about this stuff. It's drawback is that it does contain some butane and/or propane which causes some people to stroke out and fret about your car blowing up.

How weird that this caught my eye when at the parts store tonight..
anyone know how many of these one would need to do a full refill?

You need to look at the conversion charts for r-12 vs. RedTek or ES-12a. You end up using less of the ES-12a than R-12 because the molecules are larger. RESEARCH RESEARCH!! Also, the way you charge the system is different (ie, little or no vacuum, liquid vs. gas, etc.)

So one would need 5 cans of the RedTek?
$16.99x5= $84.95 (+tax) = avg $100

Look on amazon too for this stuff, it's often times way cheaper online than in the stores.

we usually have Freeze 12 here in the US that most people use as an alternative, but I heard that it doesn't cool as well as R12 so when I replaced my compressor back in August, I searched long and hard for cans of the R12.

I bought a couple from an old guy about 30 miles away who's had it for at least 20 yrs. Funny to see a sticker on it for 3.95 from a grocery store. I'm keeping that one as a spare haha

Good score on the R-12! I've got three cans left that I'm not sure if I should use or keep to save for later.