Auto air conditioning: Repair in a can.

[J. Peterman]

I would like to know if anyone has tried the product available at auto parts stores to refill you auto air conditioner with refrigerant? I am a little reluctant to try it since it does not contain the original r-134a that is already in you car AC system.
My other alternative is to cross the border and pick up an american AC refill kit with the r-134a rfrigerant. I am also not sure if they will allow it across the border since it is not allowed to be sold here in Canada. (they will not ship it because it is a gas in a can)

 

[mtwallet]

I do believe that it's a simple to use kit that you buy in the States. All the neccessary...nessasary...screw it! All the NEEDED hardware ie, the connection fitting is included. Just do it in the auto parts parking lot. Chances are the guy behind the counter will help you out if you need it.

 

[J. Peterman]

R-134a vs. unknown gas.

Actualy, I was concerned because the stuff that they sell you in the Montreal auto parts stores are not the original R-134a that you now have in your car AC. Who knows what that stuff will do to your system. They also tell you to put less of it in because it is not the same gas.
Years ago I did use a kit from canadian Tire to refill the old R-12 systems that they uses pre-1992, it is not hard to refil the system. I am just concern that mixing 2 different gasses will harm my AC

 

[mtwallet]

Oops! Brain Fart!

Sorry J. I meant that you should go into the States to an auto parts. Sorry.

 

[What to do]

Coolant in a Can R-134a Replacement

I have used the R-134a replacement refrigerant in two different cars with great success. It appears to be compatible with the refrigerant that came with the car although odds are that there is a small leak and the system is empty.

I bought two cans and a special hose from the auto parts store. I put one can in the first day and then I put in the second can a day later and so far it works great.

If you have a really big leak then it won't work - I took the chance and it paid off - let me know what you decide to do.

What to do???

 

[Regular Guy]

old system

Years ago I did use a kit from canadian Tire to refill the old R-12 systems that they uses pre-1992, it is not hard to refil the system. I am just concern that mixing 2 different gasses will harm my AC

Can you still get a kit for the old system? I have an old Silverado I keep just for special needs but the air quit on me after standing through the winter. I realize that Canada has outlawed the sale of these products.

 

[J. Peterman]

R-12 illegal.

It is no longer legal to sell R-12 refrigerant. All I can suggest for you to do is to try a retro-kit and refill it with R-134a available from the states or that other stuff that they sell up here in Canada. I would be very careful with any substance that I am not 100% sure of. I have heard that it could be propane or butane. (any gas will cool if it is in a compressed state, then expanded...try releasing some butane into your hand from a can ) A explosive gas compressed in your AC system and ignigted could be very dangerous.