recharging a/c..need help asap

[quasar34]

hey guys, i have an 89 trans am (305 tpi) and I am about to add some r-12 and i just want to make sure which is the low pressure side? Both fittings are the same size unlike r134 systems, and I don't want to have any problems.. thanks

[quasar34]

nevermind, we figured out which side was which.. now i have a new problem.. as we were adding the r-12 (the compressor kept engaging and disengaging) ..the compressor started staying engaged a few seconds longer than normal and then the compressor started to smoke slightly so I shut the car off right away.. my dad said that it looked like the ac clutch was getting stuck or something (he also said it sounded like it was rattling) … sooo anyone know if my compressor is bad or just my ac clutch?

[maroman88]

whered u get R12 lol

[quasar34]

craigslist ..some dude was sellin 2 cans of it for 40 bucks, couldn't pass it up..

[98tadriver]

R12 is illegal as hell!! lol!

[JSPERFORMANCE]

r12 is not illegal it is just not made anymore.. although, Handling it or any refridgerant without a license and proper training is. take it to a qualified professional

[quasar34]

its only illegal if u dont have the license for it.. u can get one at www.imaca.org for $15 (its an open book test, pretty much a fix)

anyyyyway i have the r-12, don't wanna convert to 134 and i just wanna know if anyone knows if the clutch is bad or the compressor is? oh yea im poor as hell so im definately not taking it to someone, lol

[BonzoHansen]

Well, if it already lost freon, I might think you have a leak. The right way is to have it reclaimed & see if it holds a vacuum for 45 minutes. How long since it last run? Compressors don't generally like to sit idle for a long time.

[quasar34]

i honestly don't know how long it hasn't been working for..all the last owner told me was the ac didn't work, i guess he never bothered trying to fix it because he rarely drove the car.. i guess i gotta take it to someone to check it out and see whats up with it..

[BonzoHansen]

without the right tools, all you are going to do is guess. that can get expensive

[NJSPEEDER]

you can buy kits at autozone and other parts stores to check for leaks in A/C systems. it is just a pressurized can of dye that you put in and it will glow under a black light where ever it leaks out.

[quasar34]

k sweet, ill have to check that out sometime.. i'll live without ac in the meantime