609 license
 

Well didn't do anything productive today except get a runaround from Mercedes (lack of) Service Center.
Decided to get the 609 license out of the way. I was going to study the material one more time, tomorrow on my trip. But figured what the hell I'll just take it.
My advise. Download the Acrobat Reader file, Print it out, 48 pages, read it 1-2 times and take the test. $19.95 at http://www.epatest.com/
You get 3 hours to take the test. That is more than enough time. I took 25 mins to complete the test with only 1 wrong answer.
Now that 1 wrong answer was not wrong. I reviewed the manual and my answer was correct. I emailed them to let them know the computer is scoring that question incorrectly.
So I now have the 609 license and can buy that liquid gold R12.

Dave

Dave,

What a brain!! It takes a high time pilot to pass that thest!!:D
I would be willing to bet that you've taken some tougher tests in your career.

Yes, it's pretty much of a joke isn't it? It's a good thing to have though. Now you can operate.

How's your project coming along?

Have a great day,

That's great Dave. Certainly a good thing to have.

I actually found the study material to be very interesting reading, but I'm sure others will find it very dry and arcane.

Anyone considering getting a 609 might also want to check out Imaca, since the online test is $5 cheaper. The study material is actually somewhat different (I read both). Not sure how the actual test compares.

http://www.imaca.org

I took the online 609 certification test just last week from IMACA for $15 and already received my certificate and wallet card (yesterday in the mail). However, they misspelled my name and I'll have to get that corrected. Besides my 1988 260E I also have a 1980 Camaro and a 1988 Nissan. They all will continue to use R12. Somewhat off subject, I read two military "after action" reports that sung the praises of a test at Keesler AFB (back in 1996 as I recall) where they replaced the R12 in their aging vehicles with Free Zone RB-276. I'm not here to debate their results but I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has actually tried the stuff (and not other "similar" products) and found RB-276 to either work "as advertised" or not work.

Thanks,

Techie9

Sort of like yelling "fire" in a crowded theater, and I hesitate to feed yet another 'alternative refrigerant' thread, but I would strongly suggest sticking with the r-12.

Freezone is some 80% r-134a mixed with some r-142b. 142b is an HCFC and an ozone depleter, and is scheduled for phaseout in 2010.

Looks like it still costs about 1/2 as much as r-12, so how much are you really going to save?

Thanks for the info. (I didn't know about the phaseout.) I apologize for appearing to intentionally "spark" another refrigerant debate. I know this is the wrong thread to do so. I'll be more careful in the future. We can let it die a graceful death here and now.

Thanks,

Techie9

I got my 609 a few weeks ago and have "reverse" converted both my diesels in addition to a 79 Pontiac Trans Am and a 86 Chevy truck. I am still working through the Trans Am and have about come to the conclusion that there are some issues with the condenser. It will not blow colder than approximately 52 dF out of the vents and when you hit the condenser with a spray from a water hose the high side drops dramatically.

I have actually recovered some of the cost of my a/c recovery machine doing these American cars.

NOW you guys tell me about IMACA.ORG. Could of saved $5.

Yes Larry, the test was a doozy. 10 minutes to complete it and then 15 Minutes of reviewing the questions thinking it can't be that easy. I think I over did it in the study department.

When things slow down a bit here I will attack the AC on the 123. Untill then I'm collecting the tools and reviewing the AC manual I bought. Here goes that Anal-Pilot thought process again. We Pilots usually like to have the whole plan layed out in our heads before starting something. Our passengers don't seem to mind that philosophy.

Dave

I promise you that this passenger does not mind that philosophy! Rather, I admire it.

I hope you did not take my pilot comments the wrong way. I have bored a hole in the sky with an Aeronca Champ and a 152 enough to have massive respect for airline pilots.

Have a great day,

See, Dave. We told you it was easy. :D If only doing the job were as easy as passing the test!