A question about topping of the A.C. system.

[Z51JEFF]

Anybody ever use one of those over the counter recharge systems to add a little freon to the system?

[JimZRyd]

I've been wondering about this as well Jeff. My 94 spent the last few years of its life barely driven and I'm sure the AC wasn't used much. Doesn't seem to cool at all. I was thinking if trying one if these systems out before I took it sonewhere. Hopefully someone else can chime in on this!

[Kevin]

i've used it on other cars, hondas, fords, toyotas. never a freon system that I know of though. they worked great

[We Gone]

Used them on my 95 lt1 & 96 lt4 but I do have a good set of gauges. Having Marc change over the 91 to R34.

[Z51JEFF]

Used them on my 95 lt1 & 96 lt4 but I do have a good set of gauges. Having Marc change over the 91 to R34.

The one Ive seen recently has a gauge.If it doesn't pollute the existing R12 thats in the system Im thinking about looking into this but need some more info before then.

[efnfast]

You can't buy R12 in a small can. And they don't play well together. You can have the system converted to one of the newer refrigerants. -Steve

[We Gone]

You can't buy R12 in a small can. And they don't play well together. You can have the system converted to one of the newer refrigerants. -Steve

True, you have to be licensed to buy R12 and it is very expensive. I have only used the R134 type refrigerant. I have used the cheep gauge that came with the 1 pound cans from wally world, but they are not very accurate and you could overcharge your system. Plus they only show one side you need to see both high & low sides to get the right fill and see if the system is operating properly. You can get a nice set of gauges for under $100 and than use the 1 pound cans.If memory serves me right our systems hold just over 2 pounds. If you need to do a complete evacuation and refill let someone who knows how and has the right system do it.

[scottfab]

You can't buy R12 in a small can. And they don't play well together. You can have the system converted to one of the newer refrigerants. -Steve

I converted my AC over to R134a myself about 11yrs ago. It's been good ever since. I did pay $35 to have the system evacuated then drove it home and charged it up. I have a two gauge system to measure the high and low side but once finished I put one of those cheap gauges on to see where it read. It was right in the green. What is not mentioned in the article is that I replaced the compressor too. The article focuses on the Accumulator.
Here is the TechNet article on it:
http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Information/TechNet/%5BAllArticles%5D/tabid/262/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/215/Accumulator-Replacement.aspx