dtf,
you bring on an interesting point. the r12 was infact leaking because my car was in for service just last week to have the compressor changed. They changed it after they found that the R12 was leaking. that however has been fixed at this point.
I've been driving the car for two days now ever since it came back from the dealer for the r12 leak fix. The CO detector is giving out normal readings. I've placed the CO sensor at various locations to make sure I dont leave any spot inside the car.
It's been raining here in NJ all past week so I can't really open to hood to find out coolant leaks since it'll be hard to spot them in such heavy rain
I will keep you guys posted.
thanks again for everyone's posts and helpful hints.
happy new year to everyone.