Recharging AC - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

spyguy · #1 06-05-2006, 04:12 PM

I just installed a new compressor and have put in 3 cans of Freeze 12. I still see bubbles at the sight glass so I guess I will need more. I'm surprised because the DIY article at Diesel Giant said it would require less than 3 lbs. Any thoughts on this? And does anyone have any specs for the numbers I should be seeing on my AC manifold guages?

tangofox007 · #2 06-05-2006, 04:32 PM

How many ounces in a can of Freeze 12?

#3 06-05-2006, 04:34 PM

each can is not a pound, what is the weight given on the label?

JimmyL · #4 06-05-2006, 04:41 PM

Can Freeze12 only be purchased online, or do any local automotive chains sell it?

TX76513 · #5 06-05-2006, 04:45 PM

I have seen Freeze 12 at Autozone in Texas - but that was two years ago

JimmyL · #6 06-05-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

I have seen Freeze 12 at Autozone in Texas - but that was two years ago

I just checked Autozone and O'Reilly's and neither carried it.

I'm on vacation this week, and my only goal is to replace my compressor, exp valve, rec/dryer, flush and fill.
I've had a leak, so I don't want to vent R12 if leak isn't solved(nor do I have any), so I am considering Freeze12. I know some of the R12 mafia consider it to be adding to the downfall of society as we know it, but I just don't remember any evidence that supported that position. ("I don't remember" being my qualifier. Memory isn't my strong suit.....

)

TX76513 · #7 06-05-2006, 05:02 PM

I never used it, just bought 12. I have now changed compressors/driers out on both to 134 - and my antique R12 recharger machine just sets. I don't think it will be like bell bottoms and come back into style.

jbaj007 · #8 06-05-2006, 05:49 PM

Freeze-12 comes in 12 oz. cans, according to their website.

Mismost · #9 06-05-2006, 05:56 PM

I am no A/C expert...but just forget about the bubbles for a minute. DO YOU GET COLD AIR??

I got cold air, I got bubbles...bubbles don't bother me near as much as the heat does! Been told you will always see a few bubbles...

N41EF · #10 06-05-2006, 06:00 PM

I just evacuated and charged "buttercup" this afternoon. I replaced the compressor and all drive belts, both radiator hoses, drained and flushed radiator (4 hours Sat), replaced the expansion valve (1 hour Sun), and the dryer (1 hour Sunday). I bought the freeze 12 online from diesel giant and used his guide to flush the system. I learned, that when you pour 4 ounces of oil into a new compressor and hold it in place to install it, four gallons of green oil will pour out and run down your arm to your back. My compressor was missing the two adjusting bolts, sat was a long day with two trips to the hardware store to track down appropriate metric bolts.

I'm happy with the freeze 12, I have a local independant garage that will do the freez 12 conversions which helps.

JimmyL · #11 06-05-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N41EF

I learned, that when you pour 4 ounces of oil into a new compressor and hold it in place to install it, four gallons of green oil will pour out and run down your arm to your back.

Hmmm, I guess I will try the turkey baster route after I have it installed. Thanks for pointing that out.

leathermang · #12 06-05-2006, 06:26 PM

Jimmy, I know you are being honest about your memory problem... so even though you regularly use the phrase ' R12 mafia' and clearly intend that to include me... I will restate the reasons not to go with anything except R134 or R12 in your automobile.
Freeze 12 is a blend... so the likelyhood of finding an Automotive AC shop who can help you in the future is very very slim... Think ' out on a vacation trip and the AC quits'....
Freeze 12 may or may not be as compatible with the oil being used.. which may mean it decreases the life of your compressor. When a blend does leak it does not leak in the same proportion it originally existed in... and that has the same potential with regards to oil movement. Our Delco Scotch Yoke compressors have no oil sump the way your vertical piston types do.. so the oil movement around the system is more critical to this type compressor.
R12 and R134a have plenty of history as to working right in systems designed for them... but we have systems designed for R12. Since the price of R12 has come back down from what it was several years ago... and the license to buy it is cheap and easy to get... It really does not make much sense to switch to anything else. But if you DO switch it needs to be to R134a.

If people would take my advice about learning first... or even doing a good search of my posts from the past you would find that I have stated in no uncertain terms that using the sight window to determine the amount of refrigerant is NOT legit.

Why is that important ? Because using the sight gage can allow you to OVERFILL your system . Why is that bad ? Because your AC works on differential pressure... even one ounce more than your system needs and the compressor has to work much harder to provide the same cooling...
Your AC will work well at many ounces less than max than even one over.

Where do I get that kind of information ? The same place I preach from all the time... the Mercedes Benz Factory Shop manual on Climate Control.

Keep in mind that Diesel Giant SELLS Freeze 12....
I have nothing to sell and only post because I hate for unsuspecting people to mess up stuff based on biased information.

JimmyL · #13 06-05-2006, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

so even though you regularly use the phrase ' R12 mafia' and clearly intend that to include me...

Thanks for the info Greg. Just to clarify, I use the term R12 Mafia just as my own type of goof ball terminology. Somebody used it once and I just thought it was a funny term.
In no way is it meant to disrespect you and Larry and any other of you guys that present the benefits of R12 and support it with fact.
I'm sure most everybody would use R12 if it was easier to come across. I often hear that folks get it for $14 to 18 bucks a pound, but purchased $420 to $540 dollars worth to get that price (30lb cylinder)
Some of us can't always do what is "best", but have to do the best thing we can afford and/or acquire.

My wagon is not my primary vehicle, and can't be funded as such.

BTW, I couldn't remember if I told you about my memory issues.....

**edit**
When I use the term R12 Mafia, there is never "one" person or a couple of people who I am thinking of specifically. It just morphed into a term, with the thought more to the position some folks take, than to the persons themselves. Hope that is clear........

leathermang · #14 06-05-2006, 06:55 PM

I can't afford those whole canister deals either... I got my 7 cans ( for one MB and one Ford pickup ) over the internet at less than $18 each including shipping. That was about four years ago.
Sometimes when some system is designed from the bottom up to use something in particular it ... the reasons to change From that must be pretty good... which I do not believe the situation with R12 has reached.