recharging Freon A/C... price/time

[sho_bc]

I've got a freon a/c system in my gen 1 SHO that needs recharging. the freon system is illegal here in Canada, but i was thinking of getting it done down in the states (we're 3/4hr drive to Bellingham, Washington). Does anyone know how much it would cost to have it recharged, and have the lines checked at the same time? and also how long it would take? i was talking with Rendyx about a "do it yourself recharge kit", but those are illegal to bring back up. jpshakeh any info would be appreciated, and anyone in the north-west who knows a local place that is good, it'd be great to know. (the closer to Bellingham, the better... that way i can visit a friend while its getting done) thumb

<small>[ June 17, 2003, 03:33 PM: Message edited by: sho_bc ]</small>

 

[fricker66]

I assume the 89 is still the original R-12 refrigerant? If so, expect to pay plenty to have it recharged. Several years ago I believe I paid around $50 per lb. Not sure what the going rate is now. If I were to do over, I would have had the system converted to R-134a. Might be a good option for you to do.

Timing could vary quite a bit. To simply recharge, it only takes a matter of minutes. To open the system, fix any leaks will take the better part of a day.

<small>[ June 17, 2003, 04:01 PM: Message edited by: fricker66 ]</small>

 

[sho_bc]

fricker66:
I assume the 89 is still the original R-12 refrigerant? If so, expect to pay plenty to have it recharged. Several years ago I believe I paid around $50 per lb. Not sure what the going rate is now. If I were to do over, I would have had the system converted to R-134a. Might be a good option for you to do.

Timing could vary quite a bit. To simply recharge, it only takes a matter of minutes. To open the system, fix any leaks will take the better part of a day.

how many lbs does the R-12 take? how long does each charge-up last? do you know how much it would cost to convert it over? i'm looking long term at this... so if the recharge will last a quite a while (don't need to use a/c all that much here), and is significantly less than the convert, then i think i'd stick with the recharge.... (btw, thanks for the info )

 

[fricker66]

If you need a recharge, typically 2lbs will get the system working again. There's at least $100 for the R-12 alone, not including any labor/diagnostics. They do sell kits to convert to R-134a for around $30. However, unless done properly, these kits will yield a $30 benefit. Meaning, you get what you pay for. Do a quick search on a/c conversion and there are tons of posts regarding this issue.

Since you mention long term, I'd go for a professional conversion as it might cost a tad bit more upfront but will pay for itself next time your system needs recharging. Also, there's a leak in your system if you need a recharge. There's no magical formula to tell how long you'll go with a recharge and a leaking a/c system.

FWIW, my 89 has had leaks since day one. Mechanics have tried tracer dyes, replaced multiple o-rings, etc and still have not found the cause of the slow leak. It usually requires a recharge every 2-3 years.

Hope this helps.

<small>[ June 17, 2003, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: fricker66 ]</small>

 

[sho_bc]

fricker66, thanks a lot for all the info and help. $30 for the conversion sounds a bit odd when it costs $50/lb to recharge the freon. why doesn't everyone change over? (or have they already?) my dad has it in his head that its a lot more expensive to switch over (at least up here)....
but thanks again for your help! thumb beer

 

[jelloslug]

The price really depends on what parts you need. I have done 4 conversions on a varity of cars. The most expensive one was my '74 Coupe deVille, only because the system was open for an unknown length of time and the compressor was seized. It was around $250 total. My sisters '91 Tempo cost around $80 to convert; $40 for the drier/accumulator and $40 for the conversion kit. Did not touch the o-rings (she wanted done as cheap as possable). After 2 years it needed 1 can of R134, not bad at all. The Caddy never needed anymore R134 (new o-rings there). The big thing is having the tools to do the job. You cannot do properly it without a vacuum pump, and I have an electronic "sniffer" for finding leaks.

<small>[ June 18, 2003, 11:21 AM: Message edited by: jelloslug ]</small>

 

[RickieFrat]

sho_bc:
$30 for the conversion sounds a bit odd when it costs $50/lb to recharge the freon. why doesn't everyone change over? (or have they already?)

R-12 is bad for the enviroment. Thats why its so much. All new cars have R-134a. Its alot safer and cheaper, BUT its not as cold as R-12. I put the R-12 in my old SHO bout 2 years ago. It was really cold in the car compaired to my Stang.

BTW .... SHOs take any where from 3lbs (recharge) to 5lbs (when empty) of freon.

 

[NWGRN94MTX]

Alex,

Didn't you join the NWSHOC group? You where approved I thought, but you havn't post anything. If you don't mind driving a bit, our club has a source for $25.00 USD a pound. Speak up.

 

[sho_bc]

NWGRN94MTX:
Alex,

Didn't you join the NWSHOC group? You where approved I thought, but you havn't post anything. If you don't mind driving a bit, our club has a source for $25.00 USD a pound. Speak up.

yup, i joined. hadn't posted anything cause i've been pretty busy the past couple of days with working and working on getting a new job. talking with my dad about the drive down.... where abouts would it be (the source)? if its down in Vancouver, i'm thinking i could make a road trip out of it with a friend from Bellingham (if the folks approve) shrug