Re-charge A/C

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JMK
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by JMK »

I got to the city yesterday and as I was in Can Tire anyway, I grabbed a RedTek 12a kit ($50.00) without even having done a prior confirmation of what kind of system my Deli actually has. It says on the kit that it is a substitute for R-134a and R-12 systems. So I assume then this kit would (or should) be the correct kit for either a 1991 Deli or a 1993 Deli? Anyone used one before?
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by hemutth »

I wouldn't say that 92 and newer have the 134a coolants but I can say that I have a 1991 Delica that had already been converted from the R-12 to 134a when it came over from Japan.

I have checked with a shop in Victoria and they said that they would do a recharge of the system for $200 to $250.

I live in Duncan and work in Victoria so I would prefer to have a shop in Duncan so I am going to try a shop there first.

My Deli is straight from Japan and has 134a coolant.

keep you posted
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by JMK »

So my next obvious question is, does the $50.00 kit does the same thing the shop accomplishes for $200.00? I guess this is where we need someone that has used a kit to comment.
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by smarsh102 »

I have a 2001 Saab with a R-134a system in it. I know it has a slow leak in the ac system. I couldn't find anyone local willing to do some work on it so I went down to Crappy tire and bought that Red Tek coolant (they are sold out of the sealant in Duncan) I added two cans to the the system and it's been blowing cold air for three weeks. So it does work. I am going to buy the sealant and give it a go when I get a chance. They even provide the new quick release fitting for the Low Pressure port (if your's is fitted with the smaller R-12 style) and the new stuff (although I am sure there are some nasty chemicals) they claim it is not Ozone depleting like R-134a
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by dotcomdude »

JMK - They also evacuate the system (which is required by law, according to CanTire's small print), and they do a pressure test. I was reading elsewhere on the forum that it will take more than the kit's 2 cans to fill the system. If I recall correctly, it's something like 1 can of leakstop (or dye if you prefer that route), 1 can of oil, and 3 cans of refrigerant. Doing the math I figured I may as well spend the extra bucks to get the pros at CCAuto to do it :) My total was $260 after tax. Course, with my luck something else is not working as it should so the A/C only worked for maybe half an hour... this could be a hot hot art show weekend!
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JMK
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by JMK »

I see your point. I did notice those extra cans in Can Tire below the kits. I'm not opening mine yet just in case I want to take it back and go the shop route.

The other factor is as you note, if there's a shop that has done it before, then 1 hour for them may be something like 8 hours for me while I try to figure it all out, go back to the city for more cans, etc. I'm not familiar with any shops in Calgary that will tackle the Deli aircon, maybe Green or Erebus or one of the other Calgarians would know.
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by smarsh102 »

I had all of the same reservations as you guys. Did it myself and saved $200. The people telling you not to are the ones charging $260 for $30 worth of coolant and 20 mins of work. It is hard to mess up, and a very common problem with all cars. Of course if you have more serious problem than a slow leak it will require some troubleshooting. Read up on A/C systems they are the same on all cars and pretty basic.

If you are going to be in the USA anytime soon you can buy cans of the R-134a down there. so no change in coolant type required.
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by after oil »

smarsh102 wrote:I had all of the same reservations as you guys. Did it myself and saved $200. The people telling you not to are the ones charging $260 for $30 worth of coolant and 20 mins of work. It is hard to mess up, and a very common problem with all cars. Of course if you have more serious problem than a slow leak it will require some troubleshooting. Read up on A/C systems they are the same on all cars and pretty basic.

If you are going to be in the USA anytime soon you can buy cans of the R-134a down there. so no change in coolant type required.

if anybody does this themselves, can you please post a photo or two of what you do?
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by smarsh102 »

All you really need to know is where the Low Pressure Port is (I bet someone on this site knows that) Stay away from the High Pressure port. Hook up the Bottle of coolant with the Pressure manifold and quick release they provide. Start the van set the AC to Max and then open the valve (on the Bottle of coolant) turn it upside down and let it drain into the system. It took me a few minutes. When the first can is drained shut down and repeat the process. Wear Gloves and safety Glasses Just in Case. If the only problem with your AC system is a slow leak you should have cold air when your done.

I am going to add a can of the Red Tek pro seal when I get a chance. They say it seals slow leaks and gets rid of any moisture in the system. I have spoken to people on the Saab sites saying it did work for them.
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by FlyingBarney »

daveyboy70 wrote:I got turned on to Hans Radiator in Richmond by CVI Auto after a bit of excellent service work there. Spoke to them on the phone today and was ready to make an appointment until she asked the year of the Deli and when I said '91 she said a retrofit was most likely to be needed. On the phone quote for the retrofit was $490, not sure what that usually costs.

I am going to pop by there tomorrow on the way home from work and they are going to take a look at my system to see if it is necessary but they are fairly confident it is. Anything pre '92.

None the less I will post my findings......
I think I have the same problem. The A/C is barely working, which means I need to take care of it. Butch gave me a name of a fellow he works with (Kevin at 604-278-5232). Called him just now and he said, after asking me for the year (mine is 91), that I am looking at $400. So it is probably R12... whatever that means... :?

He suggested I look in Bellingham, because apparently he is not even allowed to touch it in Canada, because of a possibility of a $50,000 fine.

So... where am I at? I can go across the border and look for someone to do it there. Or, I an ask someone here who actually knows what the whole thing is, and how to make it work, and bribe you with all kinds of things to help me... ;-)

Simon
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by norisan »

I have a '93 and it's R12. I think 1994 was the year manufacturers started to change to 134A.
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by ahoyhoy »

JMK wrote:Still watching this thread, hopeful someone will clarify the question about R-12 systems?
the direct replacement for R-12 is called mp 39
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by Erebus »

JMK wrote:I'm not familiar with any shops in Calgary that will tackle the Deli aircon, maybe Green or Erebus or one of the other Calgarians would know.
Kirkham did the AC on my 91 Caprice about 5 years ago, replacing the old R-12 with newer (redtek?) stuff. They've worked on Green1's, there was a problem with the something, can't remember final outcome. PM him, he's busy and probably hasn't looked at the forum in a while.
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by Green1 »

There were issues with my A/C, but Kirkham did end up getting it all sorted out for me.
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Re: Re-charge A/C

Post by Erebus »

I was there today anyway, and asked about AC. They can do it no problem, replacing either type. Cost is usually $225-$250. Not including fixes for leaks, of course. Their phone number is 403 253-2035.
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