Hi everyone, I recently picked up a 87 244 which had been sitting for a few years. I got it running fairly well. Even the A/C works! though it appears to be low on freon since it doesn't cool very well. Among other things, I found a can of R12 in the trunk. Unfortunately, the owner doesn't remember when it was last recharged or if it was ever converted to R134. Before attempting the conversion I want to try the can of R12 in it to see if it helps and leave it at that for now. However, I have a couple of questions:

1. If the car is already converted to R134, I assume the connector will be different and the R12 hose/connector won't fit it ?

2. I'm assuming I need one of these to do the refill ?
http://www.id-usa.com/product.asp?CID=43&PID=74

3. How do I know how much freon the system needs ? Do I just let it suck the whole can ?

4. I know I have to attach it to the low pressure side, which should be the line coming into the compressor from the evaporator or inside of the cabin and NOT the one going into the condenser (in front of the radiator) ? From reading some old posts it sounds like the refill connector is on the compressor itself and its the one on the driver's side ?

5. I know I have to be careful and wear eye protection and not tip the can sideways or upside down. Any other tips from someone who's done it recently ?

Thank you for your help.

For some reason I wound up with 3 R12 recharging connector-hoses. I wasn't able to access the IPD page you mentioned, but I assume you mean the hose that clamps onto the can and connects to the fitting on the compresser. My 245 and 760 are still R12, but the next AC problem will result in conversion to R134, so if you send me your address, I'll mail one to you.

Jin Weiss - jwsocw@earhlink.net
83 245T, 90 744T/M464, 90 760T, 93 945T, want more ...

Hi Jin, thank you I'll take you up on the offer. I just emailed you my address.

R.

You are pn the right track, but there is more info you need.

Q#1, yes the connector will be different. When a car is converted to R134 there is a special sticker that is supposed to be placed somewhere in the engine bay.

Q#2. If the hose on that thing is actually as short as it looks, you will have holy hell getting the job done. I found two ways to get at the low side port, and neither is any fun.
a. From the top, after removing the AMM for access. Attach hose, replace AMM, start car, connect R12 can and fill. REmove AMM to remove hose after filling is complete.
b. From the bottom, so as to avoid removing AMM. My gauge set has long hoses and a slight curve in the fitting for the low side. I am able to snake the hose down into position, after putting the car up on the oil change ramps. Then I can finagle (30 min fussing) the fitting to proper connection, get up and do the fill job.

Q#3. There is a sight glass on the top of the receiver/dryer. Clean the glass and look inside while the A/C is running after having been run 30 min or so. If you see "soapsuds" you can probably use the entire can. If you see just a bubble now and then, the system is full. If you see almost nothing, the system is either full up or totally empty.

There is a label on the driver side fender stating the amount of R12 in a full charge.

Q#4, Correct on all counts.

Q#5. If you were to take the car to an A/C shop for the job, the majority of the expense would be the R12. Find a shop. It'll be a lot easier.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Hi Bob, thank you for taking the time to reply in detail, it was very helpful.