Leaky R12 aircon - alternatives?

[matclarke]

Dear All,
I'm guessing a few of us have or have had this problem since the outlawing of R12 gas, so i'm hoping for a few great ideas!

My system has a leak but I can't remember where(!) but finding someone to look at it is becoming quite difficult!
I've been ringing around and no one has or is prepared to deal with anything but the modern r134a.

Even a chap from Hove who services classic cars offered a 'conversion' to R134a saying it's fairly easy these days - but in recent DOC forum posts this doesn't seem sensible....is this still a valid point?

My options:- send Frenchy to Chris at PJ Grady and say 'help'? (Cost!?)
Or does anyone know of a company with an R12 alternative drop in gas? (Preferably within, say, 40 miles of here - West Sx, RH20)

Many thanks for any help...
Mat

[Nick H]

Hi Mat,
The drop in replacement gas is RS24. Sometimes known as Rolls Royce gas. It is compatible with the oils used with R12 so you don't have to strip the system.

Here's a link to a mobile company from a google search. To give you an example. Note: I have not used them.
http://www.subzeroac.co.uk I think they are based in Kent.

To convert to r134a you need to change the orifice and the dryer (you might want to replace the dryer anyway if the system has been "open" for any length of time)and probably the compressor and all the seals.

In my experience the chances of getting the orifice out without damaging the evaporator is slim. Thus part of the dash needs to be removed to get it out.

Oh, a top tip is to lubricate any 'O' rings or seals/joints that you have to replace/disturb with aircon oil. PAG oil in the case of 134a but you would need to check what oil to use for R12/RS24.

Hope this helps.
Nick H

[matclarke]

Hi Nick,

Yes, that's excellent, really useful info.

The link shows the chap is in Folkstone, so I'll give him a buzz and see how far he'll come, or I'll suggest we could meet half way!

Throughout my Googling, I spotted someone who had a leak test done with dye and Nitrogen, which is obvious you could argue, as if it's just a test it would be more enviro. friendly. Anyway, I was hoping all aircon companies could offer this service - just to start it all off; find the leak, fix it, then go meet this RS24 gas man!?

Thanks again,
Mat
#3866

[Nick H]

Hi Mat,
Yes a Nitrogen test is normal. When I rebuilt my aircon system to R134a. I took my car to FRM automotive here in Peterborough . They checked everything to make sure I had done the job correctly and did a long Nitrogen test to make sure there were no leaks.

As you say I would have thought any aircon specialist (as long as they had the older style charging hose connectors) could nitrogen and dye test your system.
If it is a hose leak most of the aircon guys I have used can get a hose made up or fixed. They may also put in a leak sealer when they recharge the system.
Do think about replacing the dryer/ accumulator. As your vin is 3866 you have the later type of dryer which are less than
$20 from Special T Auto. The dryer has a substance that absorbs moisture so this can become saturated if the system has been open to the air. Think of it as a service item like an air or oil filter.

Nick H

[mknowlton]

Hi Mat

Sorry but I have only just spotted this post.

Did you manage to sort out your problem or are you still looking for someone to fix it?

A guy who lives on the East of Southampton sorted mine out, I might be able to track him down if needs be?

Cheers

Mike

[matclarke]

Mike,
Yes that sounds good - I'd love to contact your guy near Southampton...that's only roughly 1 hr away...ish..

Not fixed yet...very young kiddies have slowed progress down to less than a snail's pace, but not stopped, but now I have to prioritise a further electrical problem , which I'm just about to post into the correct forum section!

Thanks for your help,
Mats

[stunned_monkey]

Rob Grady trick for orifice tube removal: Blow torch the end of the pipe - it's made of aluminium so will conduct well. This then melts the orifice tube's seals and it can be pulled out. Or if, like me, you've already knackered the end and there's nothing left to pull on, apply compressed air to the opposide side and it'll fire out like a small gun going off. I never did find the shrapnel...

My advice is not to bugger about with 30 year old hoses. Replace with a new system, keeping only evaporator and condenser. These are just radiators so don't care what type of gas is put through them.