determining type of A/C Refridgerant - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Graplr · #16 09-03-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeke

@Matt

I have seen some mention on here of using a salvaged refrigerator compressor to reclaim refrigerant. I don't have one of those, but I do have a vacuum pump. Can I use this same vacuum pump (oil type) to reclaim refrigerant from the system? The pump has a second fitting on it, but I am not sure if that is where the purged air/gas is evacuated.

I would assume the two fittings are next to eachother? If that is the case then one is for r12 and the other for r134a. I would think if you sucked the refrigerant out using just a vacuum pump it would go out the exhaust.

I'm not quite sure as I've never done it. I am talking to a guy about purchasing his used robbanaire r12 machine though so I soon may find out!

tangofox007 · #17 09-03-2008, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpeters2

Is there an easy way to determine if my car is setup for r-12 vs. r134a.

Sure. If it cools well, it's not R-134a.

Matt L · #18 09-03-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeke

@Matt

I have seen some mention on here of using a salvaged refrigerator compressor to reclaim refrigerant. I don't have one of those, but I do have a vacuum pump. Can I use this same vacuum pump (oil type) to reclaim refrigerant from the system? The pump has a second fitting on it, but I am not sure if that is where the purged air/gas is evacuated.

To use a refrigerator compressor, you also need a condenser with a fan to cool the compressed refrigerant. The can will not cool enough on its own, and the pressure rises as a result.

If you chill the can sufficiently, you may be able to pump directly into it. And of course, as I said earlier, if you chill the can even more, you won't even need a pump.

Note that home-made reclaiming equipment is legal in the USA for DIYers. If you're doing jobs for money, you must have certified equipment.

The vacuum pump isn't made to discharge under pressure. I wouldn't try to use it this way.