PatrickB

I can't find the answer to this in a search so: I have an '88, and want to top up the A/C system with R12, but the gauge set I have doesn't have the correct connectors. The 928 connectors look like they are small diameter inside thread where the ones I have are your standard 3/8" jobs. Any ideas on getting some adapters?

Jim Devine

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Res...=0&Ntk=Keyword

If it didn't go thru correctly- search "napa auto"

then on their search bar " a/c adapters"

It should be on about page 3 of their options

If your low pressure fill is under the rad hose, consider putting a 90 degree adapter on-
then you can get at it by running the hose across the rad. instead of burning your hand.

hope this helps...

Calgary Ole

From my exp. You can get screw on adaptors from a good auto parts store that will allow you to add some R12
Better would be to have a shop capture the R12, remove the valve stem and replace with high quality R134 fittings, apply vacuum and recharge with oil and R12.

Bill Ball

I can't quite follow your description, but you may not have R12 in the system. R12 connectors are standard 1/4" male Schrader valves whereas you describe yours as "inside thread". Various R12 substitutes have unique connectors.

blown 87

If you say so.

I have found all sorts of stuff in ac systems with no adapters on them.
Sad to say, but shops are the ones that do this for the most part.

Bill Ball

I should have said they are SUPPOSED to have them. Anyway, what he described did not sound like the usual Schraders.

blown 87

my point is you really do not know until you test it.

I guess I am getting jaded with all the AC stuff, in the last, well almost 18 years we have heard all kinds of things from Factory reps, sales folks, you name them, what I have found is that if you want a system to live long and work at 100% of what it can work at, fill it with 100% of what the factory put in it.

Does not matter if it was a R12 or R134A system to start with.

Even though I suspect that some 134 systems would work better with R12.

PatrickB

Ok, I guess there is some confusion of what connectors I have so here are a couple of (somewhat lousy) pics. Hopefully this helps...

Brett Jenkins

I think the one you need is under the passenger side radiator hose. It's a bitch to get to.

Imo000

Those are 134a adapters on an R12 system. The one in the picture is the high side. The blue, under the passanger side rad hose is the one to connect the refill can.

Bill Ball

BINGO!

PatrickB

Thanks for your input. Yes, I do understand that the low pressure side is the correct one to add refrigerant - the high side was just easier to photograph since the low side is under the right radiator hose.

OK, so maybe I have a system that has been converted to R134? When I bought the car (used at a dealer in 2001), the A/C didn't work, so I told them that I wouldn't buy it unless it worked. So, they took it to an A/C person and an hour or so later, the car had working A/C which lasted for 8 years until blowing warm. The dealer said they simply recharged the system (could be a lie, of course). Is there any way to tell what refrigerant I have?

BTW: The low pressure switch is "open" so I'm not sure if there is insufficient pressure or if the switch is bad. When I depress the high side valve, refrigerant comes out, but I can't test the pressure until I can get the right adapter for the fitting.

Bill Ball

Those valves indicate somebody converted it to R134a. If it worked well for 8 years, I'd stick with it. Have you checked to see if it has some remaining charge (just depress the valve and see if there is pressure)? If you are just going to top it off, I would just get some 134 and be happy. Hopefully it will last another 8 years. If you want to use your R12 gauge set, get some of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-8201-.../dp/B000JFHNEC

WallyP

Capt'n Earl just did a 928 system that wiped out his vacuum pump ($$$) with sealant. Hooking to an unknown A/C system without checking is just like unprotected sex with a bar pick-up....

PatrickB

If I take the car to an A/C place, will they have the ability to tell what kind of refrigerant is currently in the system?