BJM

iTrader: (1)

Do these exist? I have a set of r12 gauges I got for free from a relative. They worked great on my 1987 T-Type. Can I get some sort of adapter to connect onto the new style fittings?

Nova5

most R134 refilling/recharging kits come with a gauge on the filler.

robertbartsch

Since mixing different types of freon is very bad, the fittings on the guage sets are different. If you want a set of R12 guages you need to buy them separate - about $60...

Nova5

He has the R12's and is wondering how to use them on R134.

Dave Carney

Frosty Freeze, a seller on Ebay sells them.

bigv99SS

iTrader: (2)

do not use them!!!! the two freons operate at different temps and pressures...the cheapest way is to get a recharge kit at your local parts house and only charge the low side..

BJM

iTrader: (1)

I found what I was looking for here, but I decided to buy this since my R12 gauges are quite old and the hoses seem a bit brittle.

robertbartsch

We Need A Separate Topic Heading On This Board For Air Conditioning Issues!

Diamond Jim

This should have the title changed to "Bum Scoop" Where do people get this crap? Every refregeration shop uses the same gage sets for all freon. The only difference is what scale is marked on the gages, and most use a temp/pressure chart anyway to be accurate. It may be r-12, r-22, r-134, or something else. Anyone that know what he is doing purges the lines before working on an AC system anyway. You can even use these gages for propane, or some of the other refrigerents. (Not amonina).

Go to any NAPA dealer and for a reasonable price they have a fitting kit. I don't recall what it cost but it is less than $20, maybe even about $10. The kit includes the quick disconnect r134a fittings used on later model GM's and several other types. You can also buy replacement hoses. At the NAPA store that I use, you have to ask for the fitting kit, as it isn't displayed, but kept in the back with other AC supplies such as bulk freon, vacumn pumps etc.

BJM

iTrader: (1)

Here is another question, in the US (I am in Ontario) can anyone go buy Freon (R134a). Here in Ontario I need a certificate to do so, its a real pain that I cannot just top off a system. The certificate shows that someone has been trained in refrigeration and knows not to vent a system into the air for environmental reasons.

Brett95z

iTrader: (-1)

That and the fact that is ilegal to just "top up" a system in ontario. Because if it needs topping up, it is leaking. No shop, let me rephrase; no legit shop will just top a system up for you. They will run the dye threw it to find any leaks and repair them before topping your system up.

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

For now, anyone in the the state I live in can buy R134a. Don't know about the rest of the US. The price has tripled on it in the last year.

BJM

iTrader: (1)

Normally I would agree with you but needing a top off every two years is not a discernible leak and I would prefer to top it off myself than pay a shop to search for and not find a problem, top it off after all that and charge me $100.

LoudmouthLT1

iTrader: (2)

R12 is the automotive term for dichlorodifluoromethane, also known as "Freon," a type of manmade CFC refrigerant used in all 1992 and earlier automotive A/C systems. R134A is the automotive term for tetrafluoroethane, also known as "SUVA," a manmade refrigerant that contains no chlorine and is considered to be "ozone safe." Used in most 1995 and newer automotive A/C systems. One day everyone will call them by the correct names, they are not both "Freon" Not trying to burn anyone, just educating.

EDIT : In the U.S. you have to be certified to buy R12 but not R134a.

chevymec

iTrader: (19)

I got a manifold set that was for both R-12 and R-134 from Matco. They used different hoses but the same gauge.

Freon went from $79 for a 30lb cylinder up to $350 plus now. Anybody can by 134a.

Freon does have a leak out rate. I learned this a while back in school. I think its like a pound for 6-7 years. Im not saying every vehicle will leak out freon, but it can happen.

Sebring 00

AMEN! Lots of questions about A/C and lots of misinformation flying around as well. A guy can do alot of expensive damage to a system by mixing refrigerants simply because he knows no different.

How about someone start a Poll to add a new topic on A/C systems?

Diamond Jim

One thing for anyone replacing hoses or for changing a r-12 system to r-134a. R-134a requires "barrier" type hoses. It will leak through many of the regular type AC hoses that were used with some r-12 systems, especially those used on the cheaper cars/trucks.

robertbartsch

All the information here has been useful.

OK - so it is now critical that this board set up a separate topic for air conditioning issues.

Lets do this NOW!

Thanks....