Scored some R12 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

theo3000 · #1 10-14-2009, 08:55 PM

Got some R12 off a guy on Craigslist, two 14 oz cans at 30 bucks each. Not a bargain, but I'm not complaining. Used most of one can, and now I'm getting 29 degrees at the vent.

Brrrrr

Matt L · #2 10-14-2009, 09:11 PM

29 at the vent is too cold. It is not good to freeze your evaporator into a block of ice.

Brandon_SLC · #3 10-14-2009, 09:17 PM

Hopefully his thermometer is wrong. Only time I get temps like that coming out my vents, is when it's 20 degrees outside.

A 29 degree Mercedes might attract Penguins.
HEY! Maybe you could start a Limo service for them.

tangofox007 · #4 10-14-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theo3000

...and now I'm getting 29 degrees at the vent.

A properly operating evaporator temp regulator opens the compressor clutch circuit below 36 degrees F.

theo3000 · #5 10-14-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

29 at the vent is too cold. It is not good to freeze your evaporator into a block of ice.

It was 29 with the fan on low, and the ambient was around 70. I'll keep an eye on it though.

leathermang · #6 10-15-2009, 12:12 AM

It is proper to check with the fan on low..
but these guys are right...
the moisture in the air will freeze on the evaporator fins and stop the air flow completely...

nhdoc · #7 10-15-2009, 06:48 AM

FWIW I buy my R12 on ebay and even though I am EPA certified to buy it never once have I been asked to provide any proof of this. I just pay for the stuff and they ship it.

#8 10-15-2009, 06:57 AM

Now that I have only two vehicles in the fleet that still use R12, I'm starting to get heavily overstocked with the stuff.

I bought a 30 pound cannister several years ago and it is probably still about half full. My Dad recently went into an Alzheimers wing and I've been at his house quite alot keeping everything up for my Mom. Everything from her car to about everything around the house seems to be breaking.

While looking for things in my Dad's garage I found an almost full 30 pound cannister and figured that I'm now surely set for life. Then, last Saturday I was digging around trying to find some penetrating oil, which had me looking anywhere that there were spray cans. I opened a cabinet door and there was a bunch of R12 cans staring me in the face. The count was nine.

There are many Menonite folks in my corner of the county. Most all of them are very good, hard working, honest people, but have limited means. These people come by for me to fix their auto and pick up a/c's and I've never let go of any R12 before because I had to keep it for my own use. Now, I guess there will be a few less Menonites next Summer running around with the windows rolled down.

vwkess · #9 10-15-2009, 07:31 AM

Yes at that temp the evap will probably freeze. Depending on humidity, you might see some snowflakes blow out of the vent (not kidding!) then you will get diminished airflow shortly afterward as the evap freezes and prevents air from blowing through it.

leathermang · #10 10-15-2009, 11:22 AM

My aunt and uncle had a 1957 Buick which had the AC system in the trunk. It had two clear tubes above head level outside and behind the rear passenger's seat...
It would regularly blow ice crystals out onto our heads. No one complained... we were in Texas and many cars did not even have AC at that time...

pj67coll · #11 10-15-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwkess

Yes at that temp the evap will probably freeze. Depending on humidity, you might see some snowflakes blow out of the vent (not kidding!)

Indeed. I had that happen a couple of times on my 116 280S many years ago. Freaked me out at first until I realised what was happening.

- Peter.

Cr from Texas · #12 10-15-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

My aunt and uncle had a 1957 Buick which had the AC system in the trunk. It had two clear tubes above head level outside and behind the rear passenger's seat...
It would regularly blow ice crystals out onto our heads. No one complained... we were in Texas and many cars did not even have AC at that time...

You just described my first car. 1957 Buick with the ice thrower tubes. You did mean to say inside the car, right? Tubes sprouted out of the rear package shelf. It was the only car in the family with AC. Two tone gray and beige car that served me well for many years. I traded a 1952 Harley 74 for it about 1962. Wish I still had the Harley!

leathermang · #13 10-15-2009, 08:01 PM

That is exactly the car.
Did you know that the trunk AC system for it ( and other cars also ) was made in the Ft. Worth area ? My 1974 SuperGlide was stolen.. I think that is why I am still alive.

Cr from Texas · #14 10-15-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

That is exactly the car.
Did you know that the trunk AC system for it ( and other cars also ) was made in the Ft. Worth area ? My 1974 SuperGlide was stolen.. I think that is why I am still alive.

As I remember, the trunk unit was a big rectangle about the size of a small house AC unit (probably was).