Is it okay to disconnect my AC without checking whether or not it still has R12?
 

I'm trying to lift the motor/transmission, and I need to disconnect the AC. Do I need to do anything special if it still has R12? What are the consequences of just releasing R12 into the air? Is there an easy way to collect it?

The Apocalipse per some, nothing per most.

No home method of collection.

if you contact a contractor, you can get a disposable reclaim jug that you can evacuate, then chill with dry ice, or salt/ice mix, and get MOST of the 12 collected, then the "deminimus" can be vented... it's BEST to use a reclaimer to collect ALL the 12 (if not for the EPA, THAT STUFF IS EXPENSIVE, and you already own it) I got one off craigslist for 25.00 with a few extra tools. if you are nearby, I can reclaim it for you, and save you the trouble...

if you have an old refrigerator, you can use the compressor/condenser setup to reclaim the 12... also, you can rig those oilless air compressors to reclaim down to 5psi...

Refrigeration Gage's and reclaimer
here's a set, those gauges are over 150 each the reclaimer is around 300 new. make an offer

Yellow Jacket R60 Oil Less Refrigerant Reclaimer and ServiceFirst Recl
here's one asking $150

How would I evacuate the stuff into a reclaim jug? Do they give those containers away for free? Probably not... :)

Oops, I just saw your other posts...

here's a $200 reuseable reclaim cylinder
Freon Refrigerant Recovery Reclaim Cylinder Tank
he is asking $60 and ANY HVAC contractor could exchange it for a new one.

Thank you!

Unfortunately, that's too much for me :(. What is the R12 in a fully charged system (assuming mine is) worth?

here's a jug of 12 with about 11lbs in it for $150
R-12 Refrigerant

here's an R12 "recharge kit" with a 14oz can of 12 in it.
R12 recharge kit-new

...so how many pounds would my system have in it?

here is an HVAC company going out of business with lots of 134 and R22 tanks for sale, also some reclaimers and such in fitchburg
Appliance repair business closing

3ish

here's a moron selling Freeze 12 as R12...
30lb bottle of R12 refrigerant
I sent him an email explaining the difference, and I'm flagging his ad. I recommend you all do the same.
some poor soul is going to buy this thinking it's R12

here's a recovery machine $150
HVAC TOOLS

the disposable jugs are $30 brand new, and if you keep your gauges on them, and do NOT CLOSE THE VALVE, you can put the 12 back in your car when you are done.

Don't close the valve on the jug? Why is that important?

because the disposable jugs are one use only... you close the valve, and it does not open.

they are thin, and not made for repeat use. the reusable tanks are over 200 each, but they can be traded in with used refrigerant in them, and you get a clean new tank on exchange.

Got it!

Is this all I would need? Who sells them? I would be storing this for (let's be honest) a month. Would the disposable be able to do that?

That will get most if the 12 out.any hvac supply house will have them.united refrigeration, cc Dickson, r.e. Michael...

Hmmm... I took a gauge I got with an R134a kit, and I didn't get any pressure from the low pressure line. I guess I don't need to worry about collecting R12 after all -- right? Or is there something else that could keep me from reading any pressure in the system?

If its connected to the line and it's depressing the Schrader, and the gauge works yourflat... Sorry youll have to buy more.

Regardless of the refrigerant, it is illegal to vent refrigerants to the environment.

Uhhhh, not quite true. It's illegal to vent R-12 into the atmosphere. I know of no scenario where it's legal other than accident, unintentional leaks or other such situations.

However, it turns out that it is perfectly legal to vent the refrigerant R134a into the atmosphere provided the refrigerant is in a duster can, and not a refrigeration system.

Duster cans generally contain one of two refrigerants - R134a or R152a. This simply means that to vent your auto A/C system legally, you need to route it through a duster can such as Blow Off as illustrated in the hypothetical scenario below. The can serves as a temporary recovery vessel, which you can then use to dust off a keyboard, your fender or any other dusty surface that is in the proximate area. Be very careful not to vent directly - only through the cans nozzle.


http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...tup-134a-1.jpg

I'll leave it to anyone curious to explain the rational difference in the two scenarios, but that's the law courtesy of the EPA (and the lobbyists for the refrigeration industry).

By the way, it is possible to use 152a (standard duster propellant) in your A/C system and it will work just fine. There are some side effects e.g. HF gas being one of the by-products of combustion should the product catch fire that you should be aware of. However, if it's safe enough to use indoors around electronic gear, it's arguably ok in other, even better ventilated environments...but I leave that decision up to the individual.

You can also use 134a out of a duster can to charge your system if you happen to have the proper can piercer adapter.

This information is specifically provided for entertainment purposes only and should not be relied on in any manner for any action. Consult your own attorney before proceeding. The author did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Quite a stretch but A for effort!