How Much R134A Required? Anyone used R12A Before?

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 09 Jun 2012, 18:00

Assuming that my S70 has little to no R134A in the system, how much freon would it take to completely recharge the system? Everywhere I ask is quoting roughly $100 to $150, if not more, depending on how "lawful" they are. I've also considered DIY using Red-Tek R12A but because we tried it last time and it didn't work... Yea. Probably gonna pay a professional to do it. Some shops said they're going to add oil in and what not as well in order to plug a leak or something like that. They weren't very descriptive with it as it was just a quick quote and talk on the phone kinda thing.

I know that my AC system has a leak somewhere, but the leak cannot be detected based on a dye test done like 3 years ago. The leak itself takes anywhere from 1 year to 2 years to fully wipe out the freon in the system.

Post by **erikv11** » 09 Jun 2012, 21:11

If the dye can not be detected, then the leak is almost certainly in the evaporator core. Which would make sense, because basically every 850 the evap core gives out. It's a weak link. And expensive to fix - periodic recharges is a reasonable way to go for such a slow leak. Personally I would not use a leak-plugging additive for such a slow leak. They can cause more harm than good. But your call.

However since the system is completely empty and equilibrated with the air, you will have to get it done professionally this time. They will need to evacuate the system of moisture before refilling. But after that if you stay on it you can maintain it easily for about $15/year, just recharge it when the compressor starts cycling. You can get a recharge can at any auto parts store.

If you really want details of how much refrigerant do a search, this gets talked about a lot on this forum. Especially this time of year. There are some excellent, thorough posts recently by jimmy57 that will tell you all the info you might want to know.

Post by **rspi** » 09 Jun 2012, 21:20

I'm pretty sure it's something like 1.6 lbs. It's on the tag under the hood. I would just get a can or 2 of the 134 stuff, why you mentioned the other stuff is beyond me.

I also think u have a evaporator leak which I also would ignore & keep adding freon until it starts loosing more than a can per month.

Post by **JRL** » 09 Jun 2012, 22:17

1.64 lbs to be exact but two 12 oz cans is VERY close and will suffice
PLEASE...do not put any stop leak into the system it will eventually mess everything up!

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 09 Jun 2012, 22:29

R12A was suggested because one cannot get R134 or R134A here in Canada. It's illegal for us to buy and therefore will never be obtained legally. The system isn't completely empty either as there's a tiny little bit of freon left in the system. Turning on the AC gives me maybe 3C change in fan temperature at most lol.

Post by **erikv11** » 09 Jun 2012, 23:19

Then I would definitely just charge it up and be done with it. There is minutiae about exactly how to fill the system, but I'd try just one 12 oz can, maybe even just one 16 oz can, go from there. If it cools, it's better than if it doesn't. Not a good idea to overfill it.

But I can go to the parts store and pick up a can of R134a and be done with it. Pretty sure it is bad for the compressor to run a mixture of r12 and r134a. Maybe you need fellow Canadians to chime in, I am sure this is dealt with all the time ...

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 10 Jun 2012, 01:54

geokilla wrote:R12A was suggested because one cannot get R134 or R134A here in Canada. It's illegal for us to buy and therefore will never be obtained legally. The system isn't completely empty either as there's a tiny little bit of freon left in the system. Turning on the AC gives me maybe 3C change in fan temperature at most lol.

Just a bit of info from a fellow Canadian. It is in fact the R12 that is banned, not the R134A. I know this because I have been dealing with A/C issues with my S60 and just purchased R134A from Canadian Tire in the RedTek kit.

Jesse

Post by **JRL** » 10 Jun 2012, 03:09

Correct
R12 has been banned for 15 years
R 134 is all over the place
You CANNOT mix, you would destroy your system

Post by **MoVolvos** » 10 Jun 2012, 03:24

IVIUSTANG wrote:
geokilla wrote:R12A was suggested because one cannot get R134 or R134A here in Canada. It's illegal for us to buy and therefore will never be obtained legally. The system isn't completely empty either as there's a tiny little bit of freon left in the system. Turning on the AC gives me maybe 3C change in fan temperature at most lol.
Just a bit of info from a fellow Canadian. It is in fact the R12 that is banned, not the R134A. I know this because I have been dealing with A/C issues with my S60 and just purchased R134A from Canadian Tire in the RedTek kit.

Jesse

Just like you according to this Canadian in 2008 R134a was and is available but only to those with a MAC License He says there is a conversion kit also from 134a to R12a.

http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/all-for ... ion-2.html

Re: R134a to R12a conversion
It took me a little longer than I expected, but today I fanally went to walmart to see if they had R134a. The guy at the store (very helpful) told me that R134a cannot be sold to just anyone anymore, just to certified people. He went on to tell me that evnthough R143a does not deplead the ozone layer (main reason for the change from R12 to R134a), it was found that it is a green house gas, and therefore it is being phased out by the Canadian Government. It seems as it was only yesterday that they said R12 is bad, and R134a is good, and know they are changing their mind again. The guy finally showed me a kit to convert form R134a to R12a, which has a moisture remover can, a sealant can, and a R12a can. With this kit, I'm supposed to be able to do the conversion without any problem. I'll give it shot tomorrow, and let you guys know how it went.
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Last edited by labzerpa; 06-03-2008 at 05:39 PM.

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **MoVolvos** » 10 Jun 2012, 03:36

JRL wrote:Correct
R12 has been banned for 15 years
R 134 is all over the place
You CANNOT mix, you would destroy your system

Hi JRL,

R12 Virgin stock and Reclaim/Recycle stock is still bought and sold if you have a License. I have had both Licenses for quite a few year but never used it in any occupation

:

MACS
http://www.macsw.org/AM/Template.cfm?Se ... ection_609

Type I, II & III (Universal)
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/608/tec ... toutl.html

It just has not been Manufactured Legally in the States where as I am sure it still goes on in some parts of the world perhaps.

Blessings,
BKM
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