Off topic for the A/C specialists here

[SER240Z]

I was just curious, how much is a 14oz can of Cold Shot R12 worth right now? I seem to have found some in my garage. Does it get old or go bad? If not I could probably use some tips on recharging an old system also.

Thanks

Scott

[sblake01]

I've seen it go anywhere from about 5-25 bucks a can on eBay. The price is much higher in the shops, usualy about 35-60 bucks a pound! The only time I've seen the old cans go bad is when they develop rust and leak. The freon itself doesn't go bad as long as the can's integrity is intact. I charge systems from a manifold and tank rather than from cans. The old cans require a different type of can tap than the ones they use today. What specifically did you want to know about charging an old system?

[ChrisA]

Hi Scott,

$28/can at my shop. The scary part is R134A is going up as well. $14 for a one pound can. Not that long ago it was $3.00 a can. Like Stephen, we use a 30 pounder and a reclaimer machine. Saves any charge left in the system for re-use.

Tips for recharging? If you're sure there are no leaks in the system, you can get a can tap from the Snap-On, Matco, or other tool truck that happens to be in your area. If you have access to a black light or leak detector kit, you can put some dye in the system and check it out.

I've enclosed a picture of the side-tap I use when I need to use the one pound can.

Do you have any service manuals? They have good A/C info in them.

Much luck,

Chris A.

[dk240z]

This is so ironic. Yesterday, I dug out one of two cans I had of R-12 circa 1993- @ maybe $1.50. Borrowed a friends old R-12 gauges and a can tap. Hooked everything up to my one owner '83 Mazda B-2000. Minutes later the A/C is once again freezing cold! This system has never been opened, and this will be the third can of R-12 in eleven years. Guess I have a slow leak.

[sblake01]

When I deal with a system that has a leak as slow as you describe, and I don't feel like tearing it down, I just use a can of Redtek Proseal. If yours uses three cans in 11 years, that stuff will stop the leak for longer than you'll probably own the truck.

[SER240Z]

Thanks guys for the info, sorry for the late response, I was working on the house.

I've never charged a system before. I am looking to charge a '87 BMW

325es. I don't know if there are any leaks in the system or not, how do I check? I just know that the a/c does not blow cold air. Isn't there some kind of oil that I'm suppose to put into the system also? Is there anything I can just put in in case there are any leaks? If so where can I purchase it?

Thanks in advance, any other pertinant information that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Scott