How to know what your AC needs

Tuggy24g · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:14 pm Post subject: How to know what your AC needs

Hey I am not smart with engine work at all, but I was wondering how do I know if my AC just need freon or if there is something else wrong with it.
First when you start it turns on and blows out cold air. Then a few seconds later a noise come on like the AC just nicked into place. After about a minute it is not cold at all it is like warmish. Is there a way to tell other then taking it to someone since they might charge me to just look at it.
thanks
Brad
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dougs85 · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:09 pm Post subject:

First of all what refrigerant is in your AC system, R12 or R134A? If it has been changed to R134A you can buy a can of R134A with a low side pressure gage on it at any auto parts store and check the low side of the system. The gage will have information on the gage to tell if you have the correct pressure. If you have the original type R12, someone with a R12 type gage will have to check the pressures.

One big advantage of converting to R134A is that an owner can buy R134A refrigerant with gage at any auto parts store. Only pro shops with permits can buy and use R12.

I found a R12/R22 gage set at a thrift store for $5.00 I can use it on my vehicles that have been changed to R134A by unscrewing the R134A adapters and then use the gage set.

Rather than writing a short manual here, you might try using Google to learn more about automobile AC.

Doug
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Maximus84 · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:47 pm Post subject:

My 84 still has the R12 in it.It wasnt cold at all.Cost me $130 to recharge it with 2.5 lbs! Dont think there are any leaks,just the its the 1st time I really used it & dont think the previous owner did either.
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