Hi all,
I would like to take a stab at filing my AC system with freon. All the local shops that sell the refill containers with the AC gauge kit do not have a screw on adaptor for the 944 ac line (all the kits I have found come with a compression type fitting). Is there a generic adaptor I can purchase that would enable me to use the refill kits?
I don't believe my system has been converted to the newer freon type, however, is there a way to validate?
Thanks!
Mike
AC adaptor and freon type
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Tom
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The original gas/freon is r12, but most people convert the 944 to a newer refrigerant known as r134a. Chances are good that you are seeing r134a cans at your local shops. You can still get r134a fairly easily, whereas r12 is very scarce and very expensive since it is no longer made/sold in the US. You never want to mix the two, so your first order of business is to figure out what type is in your car right now.
If you car has been converted to r134a, the charge ports will have screw-on adapters already installed. If you are unsure, take a picture of the charge ports and post here. r12 to r134a port adapters are available at most auto parts stores, so in that sense, the generic adapters will allow you to use r134a. However, it's not as easy as filling up the system with new gas. You need to pull a vacuum, change the receiver dryer, check for leaks, ensure you're using the right oil, then fill the system with the correct amount of gas -- either by weight or gauge pressures. Your odds of getting cool air by just adding a can or three of refrigerant from the auto parts store is quite low, and the odds of it working for any length of time is even lower.
Did the a/c ever blow cold when you had this car, or has it always not worked? The longer it's been inoperable, the lower the chance it will come back to good health with a can or three of refrigerant. About the only time that works is when you have a functional a/c system with a known slow leak that requires occasional topping off...
Step one is figuring out what's in the system right now. In the absence of stickers under the hood (which most shops install when converting), you're best bet is to post pictures of your charging ports and we should be able to tell you if it's likely been converted.
If you car has been converted to r134a, the charge ports will have screw-on adapters already installed. If you are unsure, take a picture of the charge ports and post here. r12 to r134a port adapters are available at most auto parts stores, so in that sense, the generic adapters will allow you to use r134a. However, it's not as easy as filling up the system with new gas. You need to pull a vacuum, change the receiver dryer, check for leaks, ensure you're using the right oil, then fill the system with the correct amount of gas -- either by weight or gauge pressures. Your odds of getting cool air by just adding a can or three of refrigerant from the auto parts store is quite low, and the odds of it working for any length of time is even lower.
Did the a/c ever blow cold when you had this car, or has it always not worked? The longer it's been inoperable, the lower the chance it will come back to good health with a can or three of refrigerant. About the only time that works is when you have a functional a/c system with a known slow leak that requires occasional topping off...
Step one is figuring out what's in the system right now. In the absence of stickers under the hood (which most shops install when converting), you're best bet is to post pictures of your charging ports and we should be able to tell you if it's likely been converted.