ehall

I'm glad that was is. Order yourself both the piece AND the retaining clip. I haven't serched for one in awhile, but 944online used to carry them. it'll cost all of 5 bucks shipped. Do yourself a big favor, and spend a couple of days just reading say the last six pages of posts, over at Clark's Garage. Every noob question possible, gets asked, and answered.
Here on the list, there is a tendancy to jump at the MOST complicated solution first. That's not the efficient way to trouble shoot ANY system. However, when it is something complicated, this is the place to get the info. BAR NONE. That's why it's worth the 17. bucks.
As far as R12, I don't think we have too many better resources with which to help you. I'm not real familiar with the shipping and trade regs vis a vis U.S./Canada. I can pick you up the over the counter R canister, and mail it, but as I think I postedearlier, it's the same as R134a, that you get over the counter. (as in tetrafluoroetheane.) That's not freon.
So, now you have a decision to make. Right now my A/C isn't working well, and I live in Florida. I have survived having the windows down. Don't know about your weather that far North, but I gotta think it's both drier, and a bit cooler. Perhaps, you might just save up until spring time, or buy parts, and tools, slowly, and do it yourself. Anyway, glad that was it. E

alpenweissisnice

You can pick up R12 on eBay (though it usually isn't cheap) pretty easily...You simply have to state that you intend on re-selling the freon to an EPA certified AC tech...

Porsche951redt

Well, its was 104F here today so it gets decently hot. But i think with the hot air switch fixed my car will actualy be able to cool down when the windows are open. Because before even if you turn the A/C off, warm air still blows through all the vents you cant close and it gets hot... But yea there is actualy a supplier called Whale Tail about 5 minutes from my house and they have everything i would ever need parts wise. But no R-12 unfortunately.

ldt1

I have a good friend who is now the "director of refrigeration" for a big school district, that has been working with air conditioners of various types for 30yrs, and he tells me that it just isn't neccessary to change anything parts-wise to switch to r134a. I vacuumed out my system and added 134a and a bit of oil over a year ago and am happy with the results here in sweltering, high humidity, houston texas. You now have to have a license to buy freeze 12 here.

Zero10

A license for freeze 12?... Jeez! Do you need a license for R134A as well?
Here, they aren't even very strict on R12...

I agree with the lack of a need to switch parts. I've done a couple now, without changing any parts, never had a problem, I change all of the O-rings I can get to, a little as preventative maintenance, and a little as superstition...

por4ever

When changing O-rings, are there different sizes? Paragon sells them but there it looks like it is just one size. How many are there?

Porsche951redt

I would tell you if i knew

ehall

Go to the thread titled GHETTO A/C. You will find more good info about that there.

jean_noir

ok last (and possibly stupid) question - how do you put r-12 in your car? Is there simply a special hose you buy and shoot it in or is there something else to it?

ldt1

r134a is 10 bucks a can at the local aouto parts houses here in houston. my car uses a few cans over a long hot summer. they also sell it with various "leak fixers" and other weird nefarious claims for more money, but I believe that is all bs.

Porsche951redt

Lol... well at least now my car does not blow hot air. However, when i turn the little dial inside hte car to either hot air or cold air it just stays at one temperature. Also when i press the A/C button ( the on with the little snowflake) my A/C clutch does not engage. I think it might be an electrical problem any one know what to do? Also where can i get the Haynes manual for free?

Zero10

If you think it's electrical, humor me first. Turn on the A/C button, pull the 2 connectors back on the low pressure switch (so they're still connected), and use something metal to jumper the switch, like the end of a screwdriver. If the compressor kicks on, you're low on refrigerant.

Otherwise, start with all related fuses, if they're all good, unhook the wire going to the A/C compressor, and check for 12V when you press the A/C button.

Porsche951redt

Hrm.... i will try that, any one know where i can get the manuals for free/relatively cheap?