Is there a write up somewhere on how to charge the AC?

[2QUIK6]

I have a set of dual gauges for freon charging but don't know how to use them. I have several cans of R12 also. In the past a friend of mine has always done it but I'd like to figure out how to do it on my own.

Is there a step by step write up that someone knows about that could assist me?
Thanks

 

[83ttypecooled]

Hi,
I guess you will go with R12,since that is what the system was designed for, and it does cool better, generally. My TTA, however, is frosty cold with 134a.If it aint broke, I say don't fix it.
Anyway,there is a capped fitting on the accumulator, which is a cylindrical item on the rear passenger side of the car. Make sure your valves are closed,then attach the blue hose connector to this. Note the pressure on the blue gauge. Hopefully, you have SOME residual pressure. If you don't,you are dealing with a MASSIVE leak, and wasting your precious R12 will be a big waste of time and money.I think it is apparent that you have a leak, but hard to say where,and how bad. Regardless, proceed as I direct.
Take one of your refrigerant cans, and place the can tap on the can,screwing it down tight.Open the can, then purge the hose of air by opening the fitting at the accumulator until frosty liquid comes out. Shut it off at that point.
At this time, proceed to charge the system. Yours holds about 4 cans.
I really hope this helps;I have been as accurate as possible. Good luck with your hassles.

 

[chadly]

I just had mine done last week at a shop where they still had R12. Anyway do as directed above but have the car running and a/c turned on.

 

[Topjimmy]

Gnttype Tech "AC 101"
Theory, Components and Diagnosis is covered there. Check the Troubleshooting link for testing and charging step-by-step.

 

[2QUIK6]

Hi,
Open the can, then purge the hose of air by opening the fitting at the accumulator until frosty liquid comes out. Shut it off at that point.

Thanks for the info, but I'm a little confused as to which fitting at the accumulator you are referring to in order to purge the hose.

Do you mean to connect the freon can to the gauge input hose, then purge that by opening the gauge valve then shutting it off, then connecting the blue hose to the accumulator valve?? If the blue hose is already connected, once the freon is connected and the gauge valve open the freon will already be flowing into the system by then.

Yes, its R12 on my TTA, it worked fine last year but my switch went bad and I replaced it but it lost some freon then, and now this year the compressor is starting to cycle alot and its still cold, but not near as cold as what it should be. I don't see any oil around the compressor which you usually tell me the compressor sprung a leak. I've had several cans for years and figured I'll go ahead and use one to see if this charges it up good.
From what I've read, the low side pressure should be around 35 psi.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Just sticka 12 oz can in it and dont be shy about doing it! Thats about all you will need, i just did a few friends cars a few months ago once it started getting hot outside.

Ive had good luck searching r-12 here on craigslist and been buying it for years, its still available

BW

 

[2QUIK6]

Got'r done....the TTA took only about 3/4 can to charge it up, it was only at 30 psi so it was not that low and the compressor quit cycling as soon as I started the R12 flowing.
The GN is down to 25 psi, I put the rest in it, but it wasn't enough and that was my last can, so I'm shopping for some more now.

Thanks all.

 

[87GN_70GS]

Do you mean to connect the freon can to the gauge input hose, then purge that by opening the gauge valve then shutting it off, then connecting the blue hose to the accumulator valve??

No. Here are 2 methods. Method 1: Connect the can to the gauge, with the gauge valve closed. Pierce the can. connect the gauge to the accumulator but only loosely. Open the tap on the can. In rapid sucession, open the gauge valve a bit and when freon comes out at the accumulator, finish tightening that connection (it may be cold). If your hose has a one-way check valve, you'll have to do method 2 .

Method 2: (My preference). Hook up all components but don't pierce the can yet and leave the connection at the can a little loose. Gauge valve should be closed. In rapid sucession, open the gauge valve a bit and when freon comes out at the can, finish tightening and then pierce and fill.

Don't forget to purge between changing cans. When you put a new can on, close the gauge valve, make your connections and purge by loosening the fill line to the gauge at the gauge. When freon comes out, finish tightening. Open gauge valve and fill.

 

[2QUIK6]

No. Here are 2 methods. Method 1: Connect the can to the gauge, with the gauge valve closed. Pierce the can. connect the gauge to the accumulator but only loosely. Open the tap on the can. In rapid sucession, open the gauge valve a bit and when freon comes out at the accumulator, finish tightening that connection (it may be cold). If your hose has a one-way check valve, you'll have to do method 2 .

Method 2: (My preference). Hook up all components but don't pierce the can yet and leave the connection at the can a little loose. Gauge valve should be closed. In rapid sucession, open the gauge valve a bit and when freon comes out at the can, finish tightening and then pierce and fill.

Don't forget to purge between changing cans. When you put a new can on, close the gauge valve, make your connections and purge by loosening the fill line to the gauge at the gauge. When freon comes out, finish tightening. Open gauge valve and fill.

I think I got it, you want to try to get most of the air in the lines purged out instead of putting it in the system.

I hooked everything up, with all valves closed (on the can and at the gauge), peiced the can then opened the valve on the can.
Then backed off the inlet line connector at the gauge...
till cold freon was coming out then tightened back up.
Then backed off the accumulator connector till it started leaking out a bit, opened the gauge valve then tightened the accumulator valve connector back up...

That may still leave a little bit of air in there from the accumulator line if not all of it escapes the valve leak created.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Dont forget to "snug" up the low and high side valves, just check them and make sure they arent a tad bit loose.

Did you check craigslist for R-12 YET?

BW

 

[49-blues]

I just love all these backyard air conditioning techs!

 

[2QUIK6]

Dont forget to "snug" up the low and high side valves, just check them and make sure they arent a tad bit loose.

Did you check craigslist for R-12 YET?

BW

Yep, picked some up today! Good tip Bryan ...but the GN has a leak somewhere so I'll be adding the dye to it to find it...

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Good deal on your score with some R-12, seems like alot of people selling it here lately due to the outside temps, works for me

Id bet its the compressor leaking, is there alot of oil residue around it?

BW

 

[2QUIK6]

Good deal on your score with some R-12, seems like alot of people selling it here lately due to the outside temps, works for me

Id bet its the compressor leaking, is there alot of oil residue around it?

BW

Yep, just want to make sure thats it and no where else, it hasn't been charged in over 10 years and it still has some pressure and cooled a bit but not enough for a black car and 100 degree temps going to a car show Saturday

 

[ckmm]

you can mix the two type .it dosent hurt any thing .they have been do it for years at the ac shops they buy what ever is the cheapest in most cases.i worked at ac shop for 5 or6 years

 

[2QUIK6]

you can mix the two type .it dosent hurt any thing .they have been do it for years at the ac shops they buy what ever is the cheapest in most cases.i worked at ac shop for 5 or6 years

Chuck, 2 types of ? not following you there.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Rob- If the system in the other car still has pressure after 10 years, id just add some to it and see what happens. The worst that can happen is your out 20.00 for a can of freon.

I have only had to add 2 cans in my silver car in 9 years, last time i put some in it was 4 years ago and it still blows cold with a FMIC.

Im sure it has a minor leak, right now im not concerned with it.

Hope you stay cool

BW