Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2003 16:14:47 GMT From: John Davies <johndaviesNOSPAMnopsam.net> Subject: Re: R-134a in 86 SAAB 900 T?
On Mon, 10 Mar 2003 17:31:08 -0700, "Charles Stoyer" <cstoyernopsamrpex.com> wrote: >This is tempting. What equipment do I need? I have rebuilt SAAB V4 engines, >spliced together transmissions, taken apart several V4's R&R'd the front >driveshaft on my 900T but never worked on A/C. They sell a kit for $40 but >I'm not sure I need guages or what. > >Most mechanics just shake their heads when stuff like this is mentioned. >What is the down side? Is there one? I, and probably no one else, ever plan >to put R-12 back in this thing if the ES-12a fails. You need a manifold/ gage set, a vacuum pump (to remove all moisture and air from the system prior to recharging) a new receiver/ dryer and possibly some compressor oil, and a minimum amount of specialized knowledge to do the job correctly. I expect you can rent the tools, and get a book on refrigeration. There isn't a lot to the job, if you know what you are doing. You can screw it up if you don't.... The reason that mechanics shake their heads over alternate refirgerants is because they are guaranteeing the job. If you buy snake oil and they install it in your car, and your system self destructs, they are liable for the cost of repairing the system. No rational businessman will put non-OEM refrigerants into a customer's car for this reason alone. For the same reason, they usually insist on a complete leak test, evacuation and full recharge with all new refrigerant. Only by doing this can they guarantee that there are no bizarre aftermarket chemicals floating around that could compromise the proper functioning of the system. My 2 cents, but this is based on conversations with pro air conditioning techs, and my own long experience as an A&P mechanic. John Davies Monroe WA USA 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon 2000 Audi A4 quattro 1.8T 1991 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4x4
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