So I have tuned up the Jeep very well and just finished cleaning the throttle body. Its running like a champ. It hasn't ran this well since probly years because when I bought it, it was running rough. Now that it seems to have some of its power back i want to charge the AC condensor. I see two fittings on top (I have never filled ac in a car but I know I can figure it out just need a little guidance). I have a manual and all it says is that a do it yourselfer should never fill the AC. I have a bottle of refrigerant R-134 and it has the piece that you screw on to watch the pressure. What should I do/need to complete this. Also what should I look out for or prepare for?

 

So now I read I need R12 which isn't sold anymore. What are my choices?

 

well you can look on craigslist and pay top dollar for the R12.

some people convert their systems to the newer R134, but that may also cost a bit.

I thought i saw a retrofit refill canister with 134 that could somehow fill an R12 system, but I'm not sure its that simple.

 

I just called autozone they sell a kit to convert all the fittings to r134a for like 35 bucks. What you guys think about that? He said its all the fittings and it will work. I already have the refrigerant for 134a.... Worth a shot?

 

The misconception with those conversion kits is, you HAVE to flush the whole system out of the old oil before you add the new oil, and they don't tell you that. R12 used a totally different oil as the PAG oil used in R134A systems. If you mix the 2, you will contaminate the system and the compressor will fail.

 

Good I am glad I asked. Is it easy to flush the system?

 

I may just wait and call someone tomorrow to fill with R12. Everything I read says to use R12 till its gone.

 

Take it to a shop, they will have R12 and will do the job right.

 

Be prepared to pay a BUTTLOAD for the R12, It goes for $50-$60 per pound or more. They will legally have to leak test it, they can't add any to the system if there is a leak.

Flushing the system is a real pain, you have to take the condensor out, pull the drier out and replace that, then have it vaccumed, before you can even add the R134A.

Good idea to have it done by the shop, AC is no fun. I have been doing it for 16 years, mostly residential, but do cars too on the side.