Thread: RRC aircon fixed

My aircon gave up recently and I dreaded having it repaired because it was R12.
I have had the car 8 years with no aircon service required and the tech confirmed that the receiver dryer had never been replaced, so 15 years is pretty good for an aircon.
Anyway, the conversion to R134A is nowhere near a traumatic/expensive as it used to be, because there are now synthetic oils available that are compatable with the O rings and R12 oil, so its just a pretty straightforward evacuate and regas.
My problem was that the swaged end joint on the compressor end of the high pressure line from the condensor started leaking.
The tech replaced the end, replaced the receiver dryer, and the high and low pressure switches with a single high/low switch and regassed and tested for $288. I thought that this was excellent.
He commented that he thought the aircon was good with 7c at the vents, and was surprised to find that there were "taps" on the compressor fittings that allowed the compressor to be removed without evacuating the system.
I wish I knew that when taking off the heads. The tap shafts are covered by alloy covers and they point straight down.
He recommended that I obtain some heat insulation tape with a shiny reflective surface and cover the hoses near the exhaust. Anyone know where you can get the stuff like over the fuel pipes?
Regards Philip A

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