hey guys, i was wondering if you guys knew any good place in/around hamilton to get my a/c recharged.
i have a 93 so it takes r12 if im not mistaken.
thanks in advance.

 

I think you can buy a conversion kit that includes the gas at CT for 30$....

 

R12 doesnt exsist to the normal folk anymore. However, if your really really good buddies with a refridgeration mechanic, he can get ahold of some.

Otherwise its a conversion to R134a.

 

where abouts is the best deal to do the conversion?

 

yea, i saw that kit at canadian tire.
but i dont trust myself or c.t. enough to attempt that just yet lol

 

Can't help with a place, but I do have a related question..
What if I could get my hands on the old R12 stuff, would any shop be able to use it to recharge my a/c? thanks.

 

R12/Freon is hard to get your hands on, but it is possible, when you do it is VERY expensive, I think it's a few hundred per LB.

 

Last I heard it was $250 per pound, but that was a couple years ago.

 

this may be a dumb question, but how much a/c do our cars take? in pound form.

 

I know nothing on A/C but if mine isnt that cold do i need a "recharge"???

 

forget R12.

you basically have 2 options:
- a proper 134a conversion

- use a R12 "substitute", which is a cheaper and quicker (DIY) option. possible side effects include slightly lower efficiency, having to recharge it every year, and loss of hair (jk).


If your A/C needs to be charged then i am assuming there is a leak. you need to get the system pressure tested and fix any leaks first.
then pick whatever substitute refrigerant you want, REDTEK or whatever. determine how much you need and then just fill up.
i used to know the A/C system capacity but i forget it now...after you find out what the capacity is you need to convert that to whatever gas you are using to find out how much to put in.

the actualy process is as simple as an oil change (easier, you don't even have to jack the car up). if your A/C is not working to begin with you have nothing to loose other than $30 if you are a real dumbass.

 

Mine's always been a bit weak; I had it checked years ago, and they said no problem with the refrigerant, but the dryer (or some valve that's a part of the dryer) wasn't working correctly. The problem then being that the part in question wasn't available as a part, just as part of a complete AC compressor - I was quoted $2400. So I've just lived with it. Fortunately, hot and humid is relatively uncommon here

 

Has anyone had any experience with taking their car to the U.S. for an R12 recharge (or an R12 'substitute' recharge)?

The a/c on my '93 RX-7 will blow cold for about 10 - 15 minutes, then becomes warm; i.e. outside air temerature.

I took it to my local Mazda dealer but they weren't able to work on the car since they didn't have the equipment to deal with R12 refrigerant. The tech I spoke to suggested going to NY state for a recharge of the R12.

Haven't had time lately to take it to another Mazda dealer for a diagnosis.

Anyone have any experience on taking their car to the U.S.? For me, it's only a 45 minute drive.

Thanks for any advice.