Broken A/C troubleshooting

[Tom]

If you use an automotive ac dye, I'd say it's a good idea. Most pros use it. And yes on Ester oil -- it's the universal donor of a/c oils And you can get it with the dye already included.

[BennSport]

Ah I didn’t know that existed, I’ll purchase some of that then! Gonna have to be pretty careful applying ester to all my o rings or else it’s gonna look like every fitting is leaking

[BennSport]

Well it turns out there aren’t any shops where I live that can perform an r12 evacuation so I’m back to the drawing board. I could do it myself but I’m not sure how difficult and costly it would be

[Tom]

Well it turns out there aren’t any shops where I live that can perform an r12 evacuation so I’m back to the drawing board. I could do it myself but I’m not sure how difficult and costly it would be

Where do you live? Lots of places refuse to 'work on' r12 systems these days, but most around me will at least reclaim the r12 for you -- otherwise they know people will just do it the old ozone-depleting way and just vent it to the air. Keep looking and make sure they know all you need them to do is remove the r12...

[BennSport]

I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. Everyone I called I specifically phrased it as “evacuating” or “removing” the r12 in the system and they said they didn’t have the machines capable for that

[Tom]

I would think a city as big as Salt Lake City would have 'somebody' who can properly evacuate r12? Here's one that google says can do it, and can do the whole conversion too if you wanted...

https://www.craigsservicecenter.net/rec ... -City.html

[BennSport]

Yea I’m very surprised as well to find a lack of resources. I called that shop and about 10 other ones, which all gave me the same answer.

[Tom]

Yea I’m very surprised as well to find a lack of resources. I called that shop and about 10 other ones, which all gave me the same answer.

Might need to start asking around locally -- maybe your local PCA if you are a member. Somebody does it -- but obviously most don't. I had to talk a local shop into doing mine last time. The machine is the same for r12, and most shops that have been in business more than 10 years have the fittings and recovery tank -- it's just a matter of getting them to do it. It's environmentally irresponsible of them to say no if they are capable, because they're just forcing people to release the r12 into the atmosphere on their own.

[BennSport]

That’s a good idea, I’m not a PCA member but I’ll check some local auto shop subreddits or forums to see if anyone has any recommendations. I can’t vent r12 in good conscience so there has to be a solution.

[Gaspowered]

If you haven't already, you might try calling an HVAC company and ask them.
Another is to try an HVAC wholesaler and ask for recommendations.

Good luck.

Cheers.