Reply With QuoteYes, you indeed have a leak. (assuming that everything else is ok...) - The fact that an original R12 system needed re-gassing when you bought it.... and needs it again 4 years later, sort-of gives the game away.
Whatever you have it gassed with, expect it to leak out in the next year or two, - but this time have them put in a 'Leak Detecting Dye.' This will show up under UV light, and we hope your 'Fridgy' finds the leak whilst he's doing it. Or you can buy a cheap but effective UV torch on evilBay / Dealextreme.com
UltraFire WF-501B 3W UV 395~400nm LED Flashlight with Clip (1*18650/2*CR123A) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
- Don't forget to buy the battery & charger.
Disclaimer:- I distrust Big American Corporations and their track record of....honesty & transparency. Ditto for Big (supportive or lobbied) Governments.
IMHO, R134a is, and always was, a 2nd-rate gas when compared to Hydrocarbons or R12. The same applies to the replacement for 134a, - (Mercedes Benz does'nt want to use it.).
Your system is designed for R12, and is over 20 years old... the higher peak pressures of 134a would do it no good at all. Nor would it be as efficient as the R12... and another drop of efficiency that RRC owners can ill-afford.
R134a will leak out faster than a hydrocarbon gas such as HyChill 12 etc.
You will be told that HC gasses are.... FLAMMABLE, and that your car will explode into a nuclear-sized fireball at the slightest accident... and you'll be comforted with the "fact" that R134a is, of its own SAFE.... But you won't be told that 134a in a car is always mixed with its oil...which IS flammable and it ignites the R134a...both of which then produce some nasty combustion pollutants. And there's nearly twice as much gas used in a 134a system than a HC one..
Your BIC disposable ligher or the GPS's lithium battery is a far greater fire-risk...
I still come across the odd 'Fridgy' who recommend 134a conversion...and has no idea that Europe is banning it... along with restrictions in the US. - The ones who froth at the mouth if you mention HC gasses or question their Superior Knowledge.
'95 Vogue SE with leaky 134a system, '97 Magna with leaky 134a system - both 12 degrees at air outlet - and mazda still ok after 23 years on original R12. (Think the RRC was regassed by PO)
Originally Posted by CSK
Bookmarks