How to tell if A/C is R12 or not?
 

Hi-

I have an '82 930, and am unsure what kind of AC refrigerant it uses... I don't know if the previous owner (a San Diego native) fitted it with a newer system or left it as-is.

Anyone have any quick tips for me on how to tell what the system is?


I've done a search but can only find stuff on the regrigerants themselves...


Thanks...


...jeff

Quick answer: Look on the compressor. If you see big blue and red valve caps, it's been converted to R134A. If they are the smaller stock black caps, it's probably still R12. Obviously not a fool-proof way to tell (valve adapters can be used to refill different refrigerants), but should give you a place to start. Also, I have seen a lot of 911's that get converted to R134a, but don't have the hoses upgraded from the stock non-barrier type. If that is the case, it is better to switch back to R12, as the R134 molecules are much smaller, and will leak out of the stock hoses.

Thanks... I'll go check in the morning.

Jeff,

If you find that the system is still using R-12 and you need a refill, pls do a search here for ES-12. Its a substitute for R-12 that many of us have been using. Costs $30 to completly fill the A/C system instead of over $100.

Joe A

Thanks... I've been following that latest thread with interest.

Most shops will have a sniffer to see what it is before they contaminate the recovery system. Stop by the local community college auto shop, they will check it for free just to look at the car. The class is worth taking BTW. Joel

Thanks... good idea... and which class are you referring to?

The type of charging connectors, Schrader-valve or otherwise only identifies which of the two refrigerants (R12 or HC134a) should be inside the particular system.

Pro AC shops should have a Refrigerant Identifier machine, especially if they don't want to contaminate their R12 or HC134a recycling machines with other refrigerants such as Duracool and others. Call and ask them.

BTW, A/C training classes can be pretty loosey-goosy in terms regulating proper refrigerant service; only certified persons are allowed to service A/C systems - usually only the instructor. Nevertheless, it's a no-no to release any refrigerant into the atmosphere. Refrigerant sniffers are typically used to detect a leak in the system. I'm unfamiliar with sniffers that ID refrigerant-types from a leak (controlled or otherwise). Call a shop and ask what they use.

Sherwood

Cool... thanks... :)

I was talking about the Auto A/C class. It was fun and now I am free of paying for what is usually just a simple fix. joel

Jeff~

I would second Joe's comment!
I just made the changeover to the Industrial Grade ES-12a last Friday.
UNREAL performance! My wrench was skeptical to try the es12a, as he has had little luck with Duracool, and Freeze12. He's now a firm believer, and has ordered up a large cylinder of the stuff! It will mix with r12, or 134 with no problem... For $18 to fill up your system, it might be worth a try! I would suggest replacing the r/d though. I used a ProCooler, and I'm sure that also added to the overall performance of my system... It is compatable with both oils (PAG or Ester.) However, they suggest the use of Ester...

thanks... I'm looking into how to get that done even as we speak. :)

Jeff~

Try the link below for more tech info and purchase... Don't know what the rules might be to import to the Great White North? You might need to ship to a buddy below the border.... I would recommend peurchasing the can adapter valve that hooks directly to the low side of the compressor... As I found out, most shops don't have a can adapter, as they usually dump from a cylinder!

The ProCooler r/d works extremely well... However, it's not as easy of an install as they claim... Typical of most mass produced aftermarket performance products, I was just hoping this might be different....

ProCooler

refrigerants