Emmett

Can anyone tell me what AC coolant is in my 90? Two years have paessed and I'm not soo cool anymore...

thanks

BaysideC4

It's filled with R-12 but it’s very expensive to replace. I converted mine to a product called Freeze 12 (a direct replacement). My car now blows 42 degrees Fahrenheit and requires one can of Freeze 12 added at the beginning of the summer ($8).

springer3

A lot of cars filled at the factory with R-12 were converted to R 134a. The conversion should include the larger service valves (some simply screw onto the existing R-12 service valves).

If you don't know what is in there, Freeze 12 will work fine. It is 80% R-134a anyway, but the cans use the R-12 fittings.

springer3

What was the outdoor temperature, humidity, and solar radiation? I am running R-12 on a new compressor and a freshly cleaned condenser. I am very grateful to get 65 F dry air blowing on a hot humid sunny day.

Emmett: you don't list your location, and therefore we don't know how desperately you need the AC!

joey bagadonuts

If you don't know, then you'll need to have it tested by a qualified shop. Perhaps there's a mention in your service records of the type of refrigerant used at your last service? Using the wrong type can damage the system.

R12 freon was the original coolant and R134 is the common replacemnt. They're not compatible.

BaysideC4

134a and Freeze 12 both require new fittings when converted from R-12.

Emmet,

If the factory fitting is still on the compressor it's R-12. If the fitting looks new (also bigger) then it's most likely 134a. How long have you owned the car?

Emmett

I live in the NY area..... it was 95 yesterday! I've owned the car for 3 years and not sure of the service (I have to look tonight) Is this freeze 12 stuff compatible with R12? Where do you get it? is it somthing you can DYI?


thanks

BaysideC4

Emmett,

I live in NY also, I was cool yesterday

Freeze 12 is compatible with R12, but you need to change the fitting on your compressor (the starter kit includes everything).

YES - Do it yourself

I bought the "quick charge kit" for $59
Contains:
3 (12oz) cans of Freeze 12
1 Freeze 12 can-tap
1 charging hose
1 pair of Freeze 12 high and low-side service port fittings (which fit directly over R-12 service fittings)
1 Freeze 12 system label

Try this place - I don’t recall where I bought mine but this place has the same kit (NO Affiliation - I just think it's a great product)

Auto Refrigerants

You can PM me if you want any more information.

Good luck!

BaysideC4

Springer3,

You are correct, my conditions were not as you described. It was probably in the 70's when I did my test. I will wait for another scorcher and test again. However, my car is still nice and cold on those hot days

My car had the AC control unit replaced before I bought the car. I now have the 993 model with two AC buttons. The additional button has a big snowflake and when pressed it turns on the AC, closes the vents for recirculation, and puts the fan on high - all to maximize the cooling efficiency. I am happy to have that little upgrade (it might also contribute to my low temperature reading)

Regards

Emmett

Thanks everyone...... this board is great!

Wachuko

Two years is about the right amount of time to recharge the system. Expect to do this every two years. Your car came with R12 but, as recommended here, best to check with a certified AC shop. Unless you are the original owner, it could have been converted before you bought it.

And switching to R134a is the way to go. A few places sell the kits with everything that you need for the change.

rgb964

I just joined Rennlist and tonight saw this thread on AC. Coincidentally, I just picked up my C4 today from Midas after an AC service. They added 1.5 lb of R12, at $95 a pound. With the inspection and service fees and tax, the service came to $294.29. Yowzzir. I think the last time I had AC service done, on my 944 probably in about 1996, it was about $80!

I've had my C4 for almost 5 years, and this is the first AC service I've done, so I guess by Wachuko's two year rule this isn't so bad. I don't have any real data on the effectiveness of the service but it certainly feels cooler than it ever has in the past, although it is a typical Seattle spring day, 55 degrees and raining so it's not a real test!

Wachuko

You will have to change the system to R134a if you want to keep the cost down on the recharge in the long run... R12 will only continue to increase. But if you continue with 5 years intervals between charges wow, not a problem at all.

I found the AC in these cars to be decent for Orlando, FL temperatures.

BaysideC4

Well, I did another test. This time it was 87 F and humid. When traveling at highway speeds my AC was blowing 51 F with Freeze 12 installed.

Regards,
Brad

Millemiglia

IIRC the AC system is sealed which means that if you have to refill the coolant, you got a leak somewhere...
I think you need to get the system checked by a specialist.
// Peter