matrixtna

Hi all,

Now that summer is here where I live I've started using the air conditioning to keep my car cool and comfortable. I've noticed that the AC is a little weak, so I'd like to recharge the freon.

How can I do this and what will I need?

Thanks

Kynyption

Rotfl.


Depends if your car has R12 or R134a

matrixtna

hahahaha

ok, how can i find this out?

I have a 1990 190E 2.6.

btw, it would have been nice if you had told me how to figure that out Rotfl.

85Cosworth

There should be a sticker in the engine bay somewhere. Most likely in the front somewhere. Chances are being a 1990 that it is R12. You might want to look into conveting it to R134a since it is cheaper, easier to charge, and won't give the EPA a heart attack.

Kynyption

Chaching

There will be a sticker on the front bar under the hood (Above the headlights) It will let you know what it is. The R134a conversion from the dealer puts you back about 200 but its money well spent because with R134a you can pick up a refil bottle at Target DIY!

matrixtna

alright i just checked, and I have R12.

For now, I'd like to just refill this. Later on i will convert it to R13a

so where do i go from here?

85Cosworth

Check with a mechanic. You have to have a license to be able to have and use the R12 these days. And it isn't cheap.

Kynyption

Yeah, gotta have a shop take care of it. Like i said. Converting is what you are going to want to do.

myfirstbenz

Not always. R134 is not as efficient inside the R12 systems. As I have heard, the r134 condenser/evaporators have to be larger.

There is also R12a which is a hydrocarbon substitute for R12. I have heard that people have very good luck with it on some of the porsche boards.

ponch_a_rallys

Make sure it's not your compressor. I had the same problem and it turns out my compressor had gone out. I bought a replacement for about $70 and got my father inlaw to purchase Freeze 12 for it. R12 was way too much. Good thing he has his mechanic license ;-) good luck.

Kynyption

Efficient, maybe not. but cheap and easy and you can do it yourself? Yes, yes it is. And i am sure the good folks at Benz know what is needed to upgrade these cars to r134a and included that in their price quote

Like i said either way if you convert or if you refill your not able to do it yourself.

190E 16V

The previous owner of my 16V had serious damage to front end in a collision and had it repaired, including an R134 conversion - standard procedure I understand. Works fine, cold enough for here, anyway.

ZedStyle

i've heard freeze 12 is a pretty good r-12 substitute...

ponch_a_rallys

Freeze 12 is good but you still need a mechaninc license..but if your lucky enough, you can find the R-12 on ebay