LUVTruck.com

My AC works but doesn't cool as much as it should.
I'm thinking about buying a recharge kit (see ebay link below) and picking up a couple of R12 cans locally from a craigslist seller and adding the freon myself.
Has anyone done this or watched it done?
Any advice?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Freon-Re ... 0024195933

Thanks,
Tom

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79 Black Mikado longbed with AT & AC...

Let me make one thing clear:

FREON DOES NOT BREAK DOWN

If your system is low, it has leaked. You need to start with a two gauge tool and look at your high and low side pressures. You then need to evac the system and draw a negative pressure on the system, this does two things 1) removes any moisture in the system and 2) you can hold the vacuum and if it holds for a while, then you have no leak. Also you will want to add some oil in the system to keep the "O" rings plyable. Most people do not understand by not running your system every week, the seals get no lube and dry out.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

I used a kit like that years ago. I guess it worked ok.

I'd becareful of any R12 off e bay. I know a prof. a/c guy can still get it at a high price. I don't know if R12 from any one else would be good stuff or even legal to sell to the general public.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

Heh, seemed too easy.

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79 Black Mikado longbed with AT & AC...

I have and do service A/C systems. I am a certified IMACA tech compliant with section 609 of the clean air act amendments. It should not cost too much to have a local shop draw a vacuum and look for a leak. Alot of the new stuff comes from Mexico with a high propane content.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

I'll probably take it to some shop... I'm reading the EPA 608 certification info right now. I've a buddy who has the double gage set-up... The whole evacuation and separation of moisture process is a mystery to me... I've never seen it done.

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79 Black Mikado longbed with AT & AC...

Heck, in Auburn, you won't need the a/c in about a month.

I've talked to many a/c people in the past about converting systems to R134a.

This one place told me everybody has their own suspensions on what needs to be changed. Seals, the compressor, etc. What this place recommended was to pay for the R 12 and leave an R12 sys. R12.

On my wifes old Accord They totally checked out the sys., checked for leaks and what not, charged up with R12 and it worked great for the rest of the time we owned the car. It was probably $300, but to me it was worth it.
I'm going to do the same with my 80 LUV when I get a couple good pay checks and the weather cools off. Thats when a/c guys aren't busy and easier to work with.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

I'm a wuss...
It's 95 on my all day shaded veranda right now...

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79 Black Mikado longbed with AT & AC...