Had my mechanic friend take a look at my A/C on my 1991 240 wagon cause it is not blowing cool air, he informed me that my A/C system was never been converted to accept the newer refrigerant that is used now and to convert it would be about $200, he said it would be best to test it with the old refrigerant befor converting but he wasn't sure if it was still available or if there is a suitable replacement so it could be tested, so the question is can get something to see if it's working correctly befor I go and spend $200 and find out it's leaking or not working, thanks in advance for your input

Look for R12a. It is a drop in replacement for R12. It is available in Canada in Walmart, Canadian Tire, Princess Auto under different names. Cheap,

Eg. http://www.ebay.com/bhp/r12a-refrigerant

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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb, M46 trans, 3:31 dif, in Brampton, Ont.

I had a poor experience with conversion in our '90 744 TI - lasted less than 1 year.

I did some research on adding an AC unit to this car - In my conversation with a truck AC repair company gave me this advice.

- The molecules in new refrigerants are much smaller than the old refrigerants - this results in some new parts and seals for older systems will leak immediately.

My research led to two out of the box plans - each uses a drop in unit added to an open sunroof -

1 - A self-contained unit by Espar that is used for farm and construction equipment - all you need is a 12 volt source. Cost was $3000 about 5 years ago.

2 - A 110 volt coleman RV unit and an extra alternator (use an AC clutch, belt, and location) and an inverter. AC unit costs $300

While these would look goofy, they could be used on several of your old Bricks - and they would cool great!

Hi there,

Your mechanic friend is giving you some good advise, from within, what appears to a a limited knowledge of things done that's specifically automotive.

He was wise to say it, the way he said it, because there are many avenues to go down. Their outcomes of the service work done can and will vary in performance to some degree.

Pressurization is the best and easiest way to find obscure leaks in areas like under the dash. Using a gas that has a detector built for is one method.
Most common places are flare joints, front seals of the compressor or uncapped schrader valves.

Another is using an inert gas, say environmentalists and a substance like soap bubbles that clings onto a joint. When leaks are very small you have to give them a bit of time to form. Calgon use to make a decent product from my experience.

Still another would be if the system can hold a steady vacuum for approximately thirty minutes after removal of all latent gases that might be entrapped in some oil.

These testing mixtures are easily obtainable at a local refrigeration supply houses in small bottles or at a hardware store for detecting natural gas leaks.

While at one of the parts house asking for more information on what is available as a drop-in replacement is a good idea.
Along with that, you can find out what are some of the pitfalls of using them as well.

If you get in with those folks they might be able to put in in touch with someone they recommend as they will know how much business they do with them.

Since the system is still up and running the suggestion about it being about $200 probably is not that far off for materials and labor from a person doing good and honest work.

Do your research well and it will pay you back with smiles on upcoming hot summer days.

Phil

Thanks Phil, appreciate your input

If he actually said he wasn't sure if R12 is still available I would be leery letting him do a/c work. It's just pricey.
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