fast_eddy

I wasn't planning on messing with the AC, but I stumbled upon some Freeze-12 and I figure it wouldn't hurt (as the AC has blown cool a few times, but never cold). I figure the first thing I have to do is check the pressure in the system. If I have one of these hoses standard tapping hoses:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/R12-FREON-RE...#ht_500wt_1180

Can I just buy a regular low-port gauge to hook up to the hose to check pressure on the low side port? Just can't afford one of the fancy gauge sets for this and was hoping I could take care of it with one of these plugged in:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=952360_0_0__


I've used the self-charge kits on my cars before, but they already had a gauge built in... just not sure if it buying one of these gauges will work or not...

mustangGT90210

I don't think it is legal to sell R12 anymore... You have to convert to R134a as far as I know

4wheeldevil

it is legal but you have to be certified to do so. the kits they sell at stores are r-134a and at one point they were talking about switching to r-512. a/c is a closed system so if it needs a recharge then it has a leak and needs fixed. i think there is a DIY kit that has a dye in it so you can find the leak. unless you got the specialized tools you might need to take it somewhere

dirtcrew51m

Yes the hose should work, the gauge is made to go onto a manifold, you could do it without a gauge, just put a little in at a time until you reach the desired temp, if you add freon and the air is still warm, you might have another problem.

dr_bowtie

Freeze-12 is just like the Artic-r134 as it adds Synthetic oil.... adding more oil isnt ever a good thing...unless its low on oil


If you have enough oil and you add more then the Freon cant effectively dissipate the heat...so you want to guess where the heat goes?

Thats right... in the cabin with you

fast_eddy

Im not asking about freeze12, r12, r134a, or the hose. Everything I have will work with my current r12 system. My only question is if anyone has experience using the kind of manifold gauge pictured in the link with a can tapping r12 hose. Of course it can be done without a gauge... But I sure would like to know how much pressure is in the system first, and as stated I don't want to buy the full manifold gauge set.

94Brodyf150

Harbor freight has a nice cheap set. You can also get a vacuum pump for around 50 bucks. DIY a/c machine.

dr_bowtie

if you need to know then buy a proper gauge set so you can check the low side and high side... Harbor Freight sells a nice set and they are not expensive...

you dont really need a gauge to fill the system unless you want to check the variation between the high side and low side... this will tell you if the compressor is worn or the screen is partially clogged...not much more


to fill it so it operates to the COLDEST temps fill it just until the compressor does NOT cycle when your cruising down the highway around 55mph... it will cycle when you hit the coldest temps around 35° or just under... but if you can sustain 40° and the compressor not cycle at cruise speed its full enough...

If it isnt cycling not (not low ) do NOT add more... you can Hydraulic the pump and snap the belts and/or explode the compressor...

Freon gets the COLDEST at the LOWEST low side pressure and not cycle the pump... more presure does NOT = colder it ='s warmer... its opposite

fast_eddy

That makes sense. I just would like to start by knowing the actual pressure at the low side and was wondering if the posted hose and gauge could get me there. I'm just not sure if I should roll the dice on a meter that may or may not work when, as mentioned, I could get the whole setup fairly cheap.

dr_bowtie

the threads are different on the Autonzone gauge... thats a gauge for the gauge set... not for the hose you listed