Air Conditioner

[mhl0125]

This may have been covered before, but I can't find what I need. My air is starting to get warm. I think it just needs a recharge. I have a 95 so it is R-134A. The low side connector has a smooth outer edge with no threads. The kits sold at Pep Boys and elsewhere don't fit on the low side connector to hook up the hose to add refrigerant. Is there a kit somewhere that fits or an adapter that I could use. In other words, how can I charge the system myself without paying someone $120 for a little bit of refrigerant. Thanks everyone.

[Earthworm]

Are you sure you got the right kit??

It sounds like the kit is for an R12 setup.

[lee]

I think you're looking at either a) the wrong kit, or b) the wrong side of the hose in the kit.

One end of the hose has a quick release fitting that goes to the car - it should not be threaded, and neither should the car. The other end is threaded to go to the part that pierces the 134 can.

[Earthworm]

The end on an R12 system looks just like a tire valve. The end I have on my R134 kit (yet to be installed) looks like an inverted tire valve (threads on the inside) with a quick connector like setup on the outside.

[mhl0125]

I've charged cars before with the R-12 system,s and the kit screwed on to the fitti9ngs. All of the kits they had were either for the conversion of R-12 to 134 or for 134. None were of the quick release variety. I know which end connects to the can and which to the low side on the car. I just wondered when they switched to R-134a if there was a different kind of connector used on the SVX. If anyone has a kit, could they supply the brand name. I really want to do this myself and as soon aspossible since it is really starting to warm up out there.

[Earthworm]

Here's a pic of my connector...

(excuse my cheap camera's lack of macro focus)

[mhl0125]

Thanks Earthworm (david)

Is this the connector that is already on your car or is this an adapter kit for the hose to connect the can of refrigerant?

[Earthworm]

That's not on my car (yet). It's part of the r134 retrofit kit I got from Subaru.

[lee]

Originally posted by mhl0125
I've charged cars before with the R-12 system,s and the kit screwed on to the fitti9ngs. All of the kits they had were either for the conversion of R-12 to 134 or for 134. None were of the quick release variety. I know which end connects to the can and which to the low side on the car. I just wondered when they switched to R-134a if there was a different kind of connector used on the SVX. If anyone has a kit, could they supply the brand name. I really want to do this myself and as soon aspossible since it is really starting to warm up out there.

Sorry, didn't mean to imply anything, it's just I've never seen a srew on 134 connector, I thought they were all the quick release types. The brand name of the cheapo gauge kit I have is Interdynamics. I think I got it at autozone or advance/discount auto parts - those are the closest shops to me. I've attached a photo of the kit.

[mhl0125]

Thanks for the picture, Lee. I wasn't upset, just frustrated. I saw your kit at my local Pep Boys. I'll try it and let you know. Thanks again for the help.