90toyo4runner

hey guys, I just moved to Arizona and my a/c doesn't work on my 90 4runner
(of course) anyway took it to a shop with a free a/c inspection coupon and found out that it was just low. Been trying to get some r12 and a hose on ebay for a couple of weeks but cant ever win. So does anyone have any r12 that they want to sell. please help me out its really hot here. let me know thanks.
Tyler

Windsor

Check craigslist.

PismoJoe

Ebay

90toyo4runner

been doing that to, i live near tucson but all the freon is in phoenix.

iamsuperbleeder

why not just convert to r134?

90toyo4runner

it just seems like a hassle to evacuate and everything else. what do you think? how do i drain it and evacuate myself?

PismoJoe

Colder, cheaper than converting if you only need a recharge. If its leaking you're SOL and its time to convert

90toyo4runner

shop said it was just low

Red3.slow

I use to get R-12 from a friend of mine, he had to have a license to get it.

Windsor

The EPA license to buy restricted refrigerants through legit channels is about $20 and a half-hour of your time to take the online test.

R-12 manufacture is banned (has been for a while now), so anything you can find today is recycled, new-old-stock, or black market. You can still buy the recycled variety, but it runs about $700 for a 30lb bottle.

Most of the stuff you see in 12/16/20oz cans on eBay or craigslist are leftovers someone found in their garage/attic. Since they are person-to-person sales, it would be difficult for the EPA to regulate them.

I wouldn't trust anything in a 30lb bottle that wasn't sealed. Chances are high that it's contaminated.

To the OP, the A/C system is a closed system -- if it's low, something is leaking. In the 70s/80s the hoses were known to seep freon, so "toss another 12oz in there and we're good for another summer" was the mindset. With modern "barrier" hoses, that should not be the case. If you have the old hoses, they're going to need replaced anyway.

R-12 is only going to get more expensive/rare. You should really evaluate your options to convert to R-134a.

cootees

Convert it. Last time I checked r12 was going for about $80/can and you can get conversion kits for $40.

Team420

Just take it to a shop that does ac.... have them evacuate the system ( i think it cost me $25 a few years ago) and buy the conversion kit(about $30 a few years ago) The kit is really just an adapter that screws onto the old fittings.
If you do go the r-12 route, it will get expensive.... I got a bud that has a 12pk of 12oz cans left over from the 80's, he hooked me up for $10 a can, but u gotta have the special adapter hose that fits the can....I was lucky and my bud had one of those kicking around too, otherwise I'd have had a can, and no way to get it into the system....


BTW.....FWIW.... those little 12oz cans are goin for anywhere from $70-$150 now......

Also... And I DO NOT recommend this option.... but you could always just pull the valve out and let the freon go on its own.... however, that will not completely evacuate the system, and r-12 does not play nicely with r-134a.....I believe (and hopefully somone with more experience will chime in) r-12 when mixed with r-134a will coagulate in the system.......

Cbpcop

You should definitely have the system evacuated at a shop! If you've got any seepage in the system, you're likely to also have entrained moisture in it as well and the evacuation process will remove all the moisture from your system thereby avoiding any contamination problems. Everyone is right on the R12 issues- illegal to manufacture, expensive, etc. The sooner you convert, the less money you're going to have to part with in the long run and less aggravation you're going to have trying to track down ever elusive and more and more expensive refrigerant (of arguably questionable quality and origin). Additionally, venting refrigerant of ANY kind directly to the atmosphere is a MAJOR environmental taboo - damages the atmosphere (and you too if you happen to suck any of the stuff in, hard not to do if you're right there doing it). Don't be part of the already growing environmental problem we're all suffering from as it is! Help to be part of the solution and get done right and done once!

morena67

In Acapulco I bought this Dupont ISCEON M049Plus. 26oz. as R12 for my 86.
Hope this helps, good luck..!

morena67

...It cost me around 15 US dollars.

1990yota-pickup

convert your system over to duracool.. i saw stacy david advertised it before on trucks, or gearz.. you ither do that..

or you sumggle it in from mexico.. the only way... it will happen.

or pull out each componet and flush out all of r12 oil from system..

maybe you should just go get about 3 cans of 134a.. and just add it to your r12 system u might have to make an adpater.. iam sure the got something at harbor frieght that will work..

its worth a shot.. if you gotta pay to replace out every componet...

1990yota-pickup

this is a pretty good video lay out...

it maybe not be right but its pretty well explained

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqNR7PGuE1s

Ron Helmuth

basics the same for my 89 Mr2? Packaging is tight due to mid engine design, but same idea I assume?

Bite the bullet and pay an expert or try to save some money and just add new refrigerant with adapter?

1990yota-pickup

google up duracool

save time and money..

you will need a set of gages from harbor frieght and a electric vacuum to suck out all the moisture.. and thats pretty much it.. and watch that video i posted its all the same r22 r12 r134a or even propane

Ron Helmuth

thanks but had the system evaluated at no cost today-the compressor clutch is toast. Appreciate the follow up.