cost to recharge an R-12 AC system

[00 Ragtop Z]

Just got a call form my mechanic that it will cost $350 to evauate, clean, leak test, and recharge the AC on my 92 RS daily driver. I realize you can't just vent to atmosphere any longer, but WHEW that sounded high. Any thoughts (I am getting it done cause I am driving to Las Vegas next week and it will be well worth it anyway with temps there over 100, but.... ouch!)

[Joe 1320]

The largest expense in an R-12 system is the R-12 itself. You might consider updating to the newer R-134 system and the lower cost of the refrigerant will offset the cost of the new fittings and seals.

[4THGEN Z]

as Joe stated, do the 134A upgrade...as time goes on, R12 is just gonna get more and more expensive.

Stew

[Jeff_in_Atl]

R-134 conversion kit

AutoZone sells a kit to convert it to R-134. I used it on my Mustang. You still have to get it evacuated by a mechanic and a vacuum pulled on it. After that you can do it yourself unless you have access to a vacuum pump. I had to rig an adapter for the pump to adapt to the system. The kit was either $40 or $50 and included 1 can of R-134. If you're wondering how much it will take, multiply what your sticker under the hood says it will take of R-12 times 80%. The oil for R-12 is different than R-134. They say they are not compatible. If you do a conversion, some old oil will be left in the system. I don't know what it will do when they are mixed. My compressor came with R-12 oil in it and I used R-134 oil in the system and didn't have a problem. They say the R-134 will eat a rubber seal and you have to replace it with the green silicone ones. I'm not sure if GM uses them like Ford does with their swivel fittings.

[00 Ragtop Z]

update on cost

well, the total cost was $364--the r-12 was a bit over $120, it was $75 for teh evcuation of the system, labor was $100-can't remember the rest. But--they gave me a one year warranty on R-12 loss so that's something--and its cool and, going to las vegas next week (was 110 there today according to my son), it WILL be worth it

[Screaming mad]

r143a

I just filled my ac up from totally empty ( bearing change ) 3 cans of r143a, can of leak detector dye, can of ac oil and adaptors for r12 conversion, gauge and tap... £60 which is around $110? and the best bit is it was imported from the usa! Home kits are out there! My air con is now icy cold!
kit was made by Interdynamics, kit was called EZ-Chill...
Good Luck!

[FroSSty]

WOW... You spent 364 dollars...on r-12??? I am glad its cool but for that price...all I can say is we are undercharging people... We charge 150 to do a professional conversion, which is waaay better than pumping r-12 back into the system and if and when it leaks out it is much cheaper than r-12. Consider this, r-134a costs us about $13 per pound while r-12 costs us over $60(last time we ordered it) if we can find it...

The oil for R-12 is different than R-134. They say they are not compatible. If you do a conversion, some old oil will be left in the system. I don't know what it will do when they are mixed. My compressor came with R-12 oil in it and I used R-134 oil in the system and didn't have a problem.

The oil is supposedly different...the r-12 systems use mineral oil, the conversions use ester oil, and the r-134a use pag oil...Funny thing is, they are all a type of mineral oil...I don't know what the difference in properties are but it can't be much.

ANyways, I am glad to hear you will have a cool car during your next hot spell but I think you were overcharged...

[bru333]

The oil is supposedly different...the r-12 systems use mineral oil, the conversions use ester oil, and the r-134a use pag oil...Funny thing is, they are all a type of mineral oil...I don't know what the difference in properties are but it can't be much.

The r-12 mineral oil will not circulate with the R134a. This doesn't hurt anything as long as you have the proper amount of PAG oil in the system also. The mineral oil just sits in the accumulator, and other low spots in the system.