A/C charging kits

[eblade]

I am looking at the pep boys ad and saw some a/c recharging kits for sale ($30). There are 2 brands to choose from (Interdynamics and Jonhsens). I have no experience and charging the a/c system in my honda civic ('93) but I want to check if I can get the air cooler because it is very weak atm. Should I try the DIY kit or take it to the shop? TIA

 

[VaderSS]

One problem is that your '93 either has R12(black caps on the service ports) in it, or has been converterted to R134a.(red and blue caps)

If it has R12, noone will want to touch it except to do a R134a conversion. I'm not a fan of R134a conversions, but unless you do it yourself, you will probably have trouble finding someone to top it off with R12.

If it has the blue and red caps that signify a conversion, you can use one of those kits. Just make sure to get a refrigerant pressure gauge so you don't put to much in. It also may not need refrigerant, in which case the gauge will tell you so.

If it has R12, you'll need to get a certification to buy R12, which is pretty easy to do, and get a set of manifold gauges, a can tap, and some R12, all of which you can find on Ebay. Get the gauges first though, as you may not need refrigerant.

 

[daman]

If you have no idea how a system works or where to even start you should just take it to a reputable shop, working on AC systems can be Dangerous, your working with pretty high pressures(300-500 psi)on the high side.

it may cost a little but if it's a good shop they'll fix it
righ fix it once.

 

[Drew99GT]

I believe yours is R12, so the charging kits at auto parts stores won't even work. You'll have to take it to a pro and either get the R12 system diagnosed and charged, or go for the conversion to R134a. I think your best bet would be to find someone who works on R12 and get the system checked, fix any leaks, and recharge. R12 cools better but it's more expensive to deal with because of EPA regulations.

 

[Chris142]

Quote:

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One problem is that your '93 either has R12(black caps on the service ports) in it, or has been converterted to R134a.(red and blue caps)

If it has R12, noone will want to touch it except to do a R134a conversion.

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Why is that? I do many R12 repairs and top off's as do several other shops in my area.

 

[trixman]

the id retrofit r12 to r134a kits are black death in a box...stay away from any kit like that.

The mineral oil in r12 systems are incompatable with r134a.

A true conversion involves flushing out the r12 and the M oil..beyond the scope of the shade tree mechanic.

Take it in for an r12 charge...a well equipped shop can do it.

 

[VaderSS]

Quote:

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Why is that? I do many R12 repairs and top off's as do several other shops in my area.

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Guess I got the wrong impression from all the posts on people saying they can't find a shop that will top off their R12 system.

People were having a problem with finding shops 10 years ago in my area. All they wanted to do was convert. I made a good bit of money during college repairing R12 systems.

 

[rshaw125]

What is the temp. coming out of the vents with the AC on high while you're cruising down the road? It should be below 50 degrees F , my cars are below 40 degrees F when its in the 90's outside. Older car. I would put Enviro-safe in it.It mixes with the R12 and the oil. I have had it in my old van for 4 summers. 39 degrees from the vents.Spent less than $20.