AC Recharge results (was 1992 100S A/C)

[Dan Sinclair]

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I'm pretty certain according to the retrofit release, all models through
1993 were running R12.

Regarding my own AC recharge, I'd like to again thank all of those who
responded to my question about R134 retrofitting.

I elected to stick with the original R12 for a couple reasons:

1.  The system was still blowing cold air - leading me to believe that the
system integrity was good and wouldn't immediately leak all of my $50/pound
R12.

2.  R12, although expensive, is still available.

3.  Sounds like there are many "levels" of retrofitting, depending on your
opinion of what is a "recommended" replacement item, and what's a "required"
replacement item.  I'm not the type who likes to go cheap on the front end
only to cost myself more cash and frustration later doing it over again.  So
the R12 route seemed a cleaner solution.

Results from the R12 recharge:  Excellent!  My system was indeed blowing
cold air before, but now it's blowing frostbite.  I had it recharged by a
local guy who runs a mobile AC service.  I took the car to his house since
he said he'd knock off $15 off the labor if I dropped it by...every little
bit counts....  But the results are great.  In 85+ degree weather, if you
aim the side vent at your hand on the steering wheel, your fingers will go
numb in a few minutes...  And as expected, the AC no longer causes the
repeated engine surging - cycling on and off trying to keep up.  I guess
we'll wait and see if it leaks over time, but if it does the job for a few
years, it will have been worth the recharge.  Total charge was a little over
$160.  My mechanic was quoting $120 to retrofit to R134a but I think that
was a pretty minimal retrofit (add oil, dye, 134a, fittings - no seals,
compressor, hoses etc.)  I think the R12 route was well worth it.  If I wind
up with no freon in a year I might change my tune, but I was willing to give
it a try.  Your experience may vary of course.

Thanks again to those who replied to my previous post.

-Dan
1990 CQ