Dwayne

Well, the last automotive repair shop in Ridgecrest that perfomed R-12 A/C service for my sharks has a broken R-12 machine and they don't know if they will get it fixed since the demand is not that high. That leaves no other shop for 85 miles that can do R-12.

I have two sharks that need evacuation and recharge before summer. And I like staying with R-12 rather than convert since I need all the cooling power I can get for our long hot summers here in the high desert. So I got this idea of doing my own R-12 service. After a little research last night, I studied for my Section 609 MVAC Technician Certificate this morning, took the test and now have my temporary certificate (formal cert will be arriving in the mail). So now, I understand that I can buy my own R-12. That's great news. BUT, the only experience I've had with A/C service is the DIY cans and hoses you buy (or used to buy) at the auto parts store to top off the A/C systems.

I'd like to get the right equipment for evacuating the system, leak test, and recharge. Since I won't be doing this for my day job and I'll be working on my own vehicles only, an investment in expensive equipment doesn't make sense. I've seen some used recovery/recharge equipment on Ebay but it looks old and worn out I'm wondering if it might be too risky to purchase used equipment of this type from someone unknown.

I've seen that Harbor Freight carries electric vacuum pumps for A/C systems (they have a 9cfm, 2 stage model for about $250), they also have the manifold and hoses.

So here' s my question: For those of you that are performing your own R-12 service for your 928, what equipment are you using?? Is the basic set up just a vacuum pump, manifold, hoses, recovery tank, and charge tank (maybe a leak detector as well)?? Would you recommend getting a recovery/charge unit (probably used)?? Finally, what's a recommended vendor or place to find the equipment - how did you find yours?? Just looking for some lessons learned from those here that have already gone down this path. THANKS for the help!!

morganabowen

The only R-12 guy I know is in Fillmore California (De La Rosas Auto)

Rob Edwards

Dwayne-

Bill Ball will chime in with the definitive answers, but for now I have the following. All of it (including the 30lbs of R12) was purchased off of Ebay.

Robinair R12 hoses
Robinair 15600 vacuum pump
Robinair manifold gauge set
Robinair refrigerant scale
30 lb Keg of Dupont R12

I did the same EPA 609 certification online.

I regularly surf the L.A. and O.C Craigslist for an R12 recycling machine (I need one right now before I can pull my motor) but it's getting hard to find space in the garage to store things! I am also leery of buying a used recycling machine, they're always pretty ratty looking and you might be stuck with who knows what in the waste cylinders.....

BTW, you are more than welcome to borrow any of the above stuff if you're ever down this way. It's hard to justify owning the stuff to use it once or twice, so I'd be more than happy to see it get used.

soupcan

Not much you can't find on craigslist these days.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/1067891990.html
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/tls/1070623937.html

blown 87

I have had 2 of them ruined because folks at home have put sealant in the system that we then tried to reclaim.

Two things that are very important, filters and a refrigerant tester.

I have a old one that I took the vacuum pump out of you could have if you were closer.

Greg Nettles

I guess I did not answer your question, all four of my machines have been Snap-On's and my guess is that many of the dealers have taken some old R-12 machines in on trade that are just sitting in storage, my snap on guy gave me a lot of money for the last one and it has been sitting in my shop for several years, he never wanted to get it because he all ready had a few of them.

WallyP

There are three different levels of servicing processes involved here, involving functional and legal factors.

If you want to service your own system, and are not concerned with the environment or legalities, then you need the minimum:
- Gauge set. Get a good one, with long hoses.
- Leak detector. Torch works, but electronic is much better.
- vacuum pump. You need a good one. Air-powered isn't good enough.

If you want to use large containers, then you must add either a charging station or an accurate scale. The advantages to this level are that the Freon is slightly cheaper, and you don't have to install it in 12-ounce chunks, but can install the exact amount.

If you want to be green and legal, then you must add a reclamation system. You can't afford a new one, and old ones are often leaky and troublesome. The huge advantage of having one of these systems is that it allows you to pull the Freon from the system, remove any air, moisture and impurities, and then reinstall it in the system after repairs. Craigslist or eBay.

joejoe

http:www.//refrigerantsales.com/ is where I get a lot of my a/c stuff. Here is what I have :
2 robinair recovery units
1 kentmoore recovery unit
robinair 6cfm 2 stage vacume pump
brightsolutions black light leak detector kit for a/c
robinair electronic leak detector
dye for engine (for finding leaks on motor with black light)
1 set guages snap on
1 set guages robinair
2 30# can r12
1 25# can autofrost
12 12oz. can r12
metric Oring set (nitril)
standard Oring set (nirtil)
1 flush kit
1 digital scale
As blown 87 says you must be careful what is in someones system. I am hoping to get a refrigerant monitor to check system before recovery. Now I use the kentmoore unit if questionable source and robinair for known good source.

If your system is flat I would get a good vacume pump, guages, leak detector/dye,O rings, r12. If not flat then you want to recover with recovery unit.
I only have done my 2 928's, 3 944's, '84 corvette, and brothers corvettes. It is not rocket science, but does take some time, and remember recharge by weight. Too much freon is not good.

dprantl

- Manifold gauges
- Good two-stage vacuum pump (www.ackits.com and www.acsource.com have some that are around $200)
- Accurate scale. I bought a fish scale from walmart for $20. Attach it to a ladder and hang your 30lb freon container from it, and it is very accurate
- Bucket big enough to fit a 30lb freon container. To speed things up, fill with hot water when charging. I've also had success reclaiming most freon into an empty 30lb container by using ice cold water on a hot day.

It doesn't get cheaper than that You don't want to fill systems with small cans. There is way too much risk of introducing air into the system.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

blown 87

Always wear safety glasses when doing work on ac systems also.

Dwayne

Thank you all for the great tips and advice! It's very helpful.

Since the two sharks are empty, I can probably get by on the basic components of the vacuum and recharge. Eventually, I can see myself needing to do reclamation and would need a machine for that - but I hear new ones are very expensive so I'll have to think some more on that.

Rob, I may take you up on your offer to borrow your equipment for this go around but I want to do a little shopping for machines first and I'll let you know how that goes. THANKS for the offer!

Bill Ball

If you are only doing your two cars, I agree it makes no sense to buy a recovery/recycle/recharge machine. And buying a used machine can be problematic. The R-12 machines are OLD. That said, I found a like-new Snap-On complete AC service machine on Craigslist from a closing local shop that came with 50 lbs of virgin Freon and 36 lbs of recycled Freon, all for $250. Hard to beat. A decent vacuum pump costs more than that.

Anyway, if you'd rather avoid having a big machine in your garage, I would just use Freon cans, a set of gauges, a vacuum pump (Robinair) and a electronic halogen leak detector (used on eBay).

soupcan

I have always had greater success with leak detection dye than halogen detectors.
This is the Kit I have but they sell jr. kits for around $50.

http://www.amazon.com/UVIEW-UVU41540...7468938&sr=1-9

http://www.amazon.com/UVIEW-UVU33201...7469077&sr=1-7

IcemanG17

Dwayne
With R12 being harder and harder to find with its increased cost.....I would say the best course of action is to plan a road trip to Bills....he has everything you need and his freon is also quite inexpensive....

With Bills approval of course!

papatuki

I wouldn't spend the money on R-12. Way too expensive. Especially if it's leaking out. Hot Shot R-414B is a drop in for R-12. Less than half the price and AB oil compatable. I've had 100% success with this chemical in both commercial apps. and auto apps.

dprantl

The problem I have with blends like these (this one seems to be 50% R-22) is that if you have a leak, you no longer know what kind of blend you have in there because the different fractions leak off at different rates.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft