Re: accessing heater core for 4kq

[James Marriott <marriott@micron.net>]

Aaron Peloquin wrote:
> 
> Thanks for the info -- I wouldn't have thought of that (yikes)...
> 
> Considering the fact that my AC is probably due for a recharge anyway, I'm
> thinking I might just pull the evaporator after all.  My question is, what's
> the proper/safe way to lose the current charge?  Seems like disconnecting
> the hoses and venting into the atmosphere isn't the best thing to do, but I
> can't think of any other way to do it.
> 
> TIA,
> Aaron

Luckily you don't have to worry your conscience about the issue of
dumping CFCs into the atmosphere. Your wallet will guide you. At
~$35/lb, and a bit over 2 lbs, it doesn't make much sense to just blow
the stuff out; you'll have to buy it for the recharge, anyway.

Take it to a real (not Quik-E lube) AC shop and tell them what you're
doing. They will suck out the freon and "save" it for you (by measuring
how much comes out. It's all in a big tank, anyway). Then when you're
done with the core, take it back to the AC shop. They'll vacuum it out,
refresh the oil, and replace whatever refrig you had. You will likely
get charged (?) ~$30 for an "AC service" and going rates for any
shortage of Freon (eg, you only had 1.8 lbs in the system).

BTW, costs for Freon (R12) have been _dropping_. All the commercial-swap
R12 (freezer plant with 1700 lb system, etc) is being recycled, and many
car folks switch to R134. So, supplies are increasing and demand is
dropping. Cool news (?) for those w/old cars who want to stay R12.

hth,
James
'87 4kq
'89 200q