Re: [mk2] a/c questions

["Gerry Reichelt" <greichelt@mmcable.com>]

   All Scirocco's came with R12 as the refrigerant. If yours has something
else, it was changed. Unfortunately, R12 is no longer manufactured in the
U.S. You can still buy it if you don't mind being brutally raped. Currently,
it's $25-$35 per pound. There are a variety of replacement refrigerants
available though. HC134a is probably the most common. It's currently used in
most cars built from '95 on and is far more reasonably priced. Plenty of
conversion kits are available. Typically they contain new fittings
(required), new o-rings (good idea to replace) designed for use with
refrigerants and their related oils. The o-rings and compressor seal are the
most likely places to look for leaks. You'll find o-rings anywhere a hose
junction is found. Ideally, the system should be evacuated with a vacuum
pump to remove any moisture and then charged directly without opening the
system to the atmosphere. This will require some specialized equipment such
as a set of gauges designed for 134a. Any shop should also have a "sniffer"
to check for any leaks. Once you have your system up and running again, it's
a good idea to run your a/c every few weeks for a few minutes to lubricate
the compressor seal and prevent future leaks of refrigerant and $$$ from
your wallet.
   Gerry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Foxx (in a box)" <foxxinabox@core.com>



  after my a/c ran out unexpectedly last fall i didn't bother getting it
recharged. now that the warm weather is coming back, i'd like to have my
little cooling friend back. so, can some please tell me before i
recharge the thing, what i should look out for? holes in hoses or
condensers...what? also, i'm assuming that the older systems (like ours)
used the r134a, right? is there a specific brand to buy or stay away
from, or should i just say screw it all and take it somewhere to have it
done? thanx.



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