stupid ac question.. but in desperate need of help.. its hot
 

hi summer is killing me and my family and my ac dont blow cold so i looked at the compressor and it said this system is compatiable with r12 and r-134a. so i went to auto zone and picked up a r-134a recharge kit with leak sealer.. it comes with everything i need to recharge my ac but the damn instructions dont exactly tell me where to connect the hose on the can of r-134a to my system. i see two connections the first is right on the compressor itself up towards the windshield...
and the second is way down right next to the battery.. mind you i have a (1988 bonneville sse) ..... which one do i connect the can of r-134a to the valve on the compressor or the valve down by the battery... ??? please help as i have black leather seat covers and man they burn.....

Well it can't be compatible with both, but if it has a sticker saying that it accepts R134a then it was probably converted.

However.

You should probably have the system pressure tested just to be sure that it is going to hold the refrigerant you want to install in it. My thought with A/C systems has always been to let professionals handle it, as long as you're not getting ripped off, it always seems to come out better that way, and that way if something does go wrong, you don't have yourself to blame.

Well first as John has already said, check to make sure your system was converted over from R-12 to R-134a (a sticker should be on the inside of hood detailing when it was convert see pic), if not your going to have to go to a mechanic and get the system recharged with R-12 (only certified mechanics can still by R-12 or Freon as it's also called). Thats if nothing else is wrong. Although, I have heard that R134a will never be as ice cold as R12.

this website explains A/C really well and can save you money.
http://www.carcare.org/Climate_Contr..._AC_tips.shtml

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The compressor is not up by the windshield, but that connection is where you hook up the can, not the one next to the battery. In the picture above it has a blue cap on it, pointing toward the driver's side
If the instructions in the kit didn't make that clear enough, then you will probably be better off following John's advice and letting a professional handle your AC service. If you don't get it right, you could hurt yourself or mess up your car or both. There's a pretty steep learning curve.

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sticker says its compatiable with both. i will post a pic tomorrow...
it seems like its childs play.. the instructions are very clear but the picture that shows you the 2 example system (old n new) were different locations for the valve then mine was.. thats all i wanted to check .... why does every one make it sound so hard and deadly....

did you's not play with matches as a kid just because your mom said you will burn your self.?

wont the bottle not fit on the connectors if it hasnt been converted? i thought that part of the conversion process is changing the fittings...

since you asked...
 

If you had hooked up the can to the high pressure side of the compressor, down by the battery on these cars, it could have ruptured the can. This could cause you bodily injury, not only from the metal of the can exploding, but also from frostbite as the refrigerant instantly coated the hand you were holding the can with, your face if it was close enough, and any other body parts in the general vicinity of the exploding can. Frostbite hurts. Repair bills, medical bills, and replacement parts are expensive. The warnings and cautions on the can, in the instructions, and from the board members aren't' telling you to not do it, they are telling you if you are going to do it, do it right or you will hurt yourself, your car and possibly anyone standing near you.
And as far as kids playing with matches, some kids have to burn themselves before they figure out that Mom was right. The smart kids figure it out for themselves or pay attention to instructions to keep from getting burned. The stupid kids burn themselves several times before they figure it out. Some never do. Steep learning curve.

Correct. I think this is also covered under the advice that if the instructions in the kit didn't cover it, or the installer doesn't understand, let a professional handle it.

#1) R134a and R12 can not be mixed.. They are in no way compatible... If you still have R12 in the system you need to have it Pumped down...

#2) If the car has been switched to R134a it should have the proper fittings... If not you will need to add the newer style fittings

#3) what you most likely have is refrigerant R134a which has Ester Oil, this oil is compatible with R12 oil and residues of R12

And I agree with the statements above... If you were to connect to the High pressure side( Radiator side of the engine bay, you could cause great injury to yourself as the can will explode...

You will want to use the suction side near the firewall on the Receiver / Drier...

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