Sound like a plan. There are more correct ways of repairing your a/c system but you stated you are low on funds.

Trying it your self I understand and if it don't work out you should be able to get the system repaired by a professional with out having any permeant damage to the system later.

I am also certified in mobile a/c systems, I also have the equipment to service your a/c but coming to Ohio to have me service your a/c system probably won't work for you.

Good luck.

 

r-12?

Isn't that illegal? R-134a! I don't know if they can be mixed, I know the fittings & seals are different.

I am confused. You have expensive A/C equipment, but don't know how to use it?

 

R12 is not illegal. I still have about 11 lbs. of it. It can still be used in vehicles the are set up for it. It cannot be mixed with R134a. I really doubt the he has expensive AC equipment. He said a 'reclaimer'. Don't know what that is. He could just mean a tank. If it has anything to do with R12 he need to keep it as far away from his HHR as possible. I have two recovery/recharge/recycling machines. The old one I use for R12 and the newer one I use for R134a.

 

That's what I meant. It's been a long time since R-12 was standard equipment.

The price of a manifold is expensive to me. Even Harbor Freight.

 

He may be talking about his manifold gauge kit. Back when I took the course R-12 was the thing to use, there was no R-134a to be had yet.

I had to buy adaptors to be able to use my manifold gauges with R-134a. They were radially available on eBay.

With out the adaptors I can handle R12, R-22, and R-404A. The Schrader valves on the R-134a systems are different. The others more or less just screw on and work.

 

The transition from R12 to R134a began late 1993 and were finished by mid 1995. All 1996 vehicles used R134a. The manufacture of R12 was banned in 1996 but it's still legal to use it. It's just prohibitively expensive now days.

My machines and have more than paid for themselves with the work I've done with them over the years.