A/C Recharge Question

[MOSHO92]

My A/C has lost some of its cooling power over the last twelve years, and I'm thinking that it may be low on refegerant(sp?).

They sell recharge kits at the auto parts store, but all say r-134a. I was told by a clerk that mine (being a 92) would have r-12.

Can anyone agree/disagree on his statement?

Also, if I do have r-12 what are my options on recharging?

Thanks!

 

[Mark in PDX]

Howdy, Yup, you should have R12, but your sticker on your radiator will list the whether it is 12 or 134 also. I think they switched over to 134 in the late 90's.
Due to stupid gov't regulations, they don't want R12 out there, even though it is more efficient than r134...
Search around and you'll probably find someone who can top your system off.
Don't have a dealer do it or they'll get you for a full charge instead of just topping it off with the .5lb or so you'll need.
later
Mark

 

[HopefulSHO]

Yep, I belive they switched over to R-134a in the mid '93 model year. I know both my '94s have been R-134.
You can probably find a shop that will top it off (maybe?), but it will be pricey. R12 is expensive stuff now. They'll probably try to sell you a R134-a conversion. And depending on how much R12 you need, it might be cost-effective to do so, especially if you have a leak.