How would one go about safely and responsibly emptying an R-12 AC system at home? My brother's 74 Duster has an original AC system that may or may not retain a charge, but I need to pull the engine and strip the engine compartment and the car cannot be driven to a shop.

Thanks!

You need a vacuum pump to do the job properly and draw it down with the option to transfer it to a bottle, typically this will also need a manifold set. If you don't have a buddy that is an HVAC service tech that would have this equipment, you will have to go the non-green way, it is not cheap (there's a reason they pay those guys upwards of $45/hr+ fringe union wages).

Option 2 would be to see if a mechanic can come to you and do it correctly.

-D.Idiot

You need one of these.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/3883402853.html

also you will need a tank to put the recovered refrigerant into..

Unless you intend on doing your own ac service on r12 alot It's probably best to find someone to come to your place.

These recovery machines come up on my local crigslist all the time.


I have not bought one yet. - You have to get a tank with them as well.

I just got a nice 6CFM vacuum pump for pulling the system down after assembly for my 4 a/c cars - 3 of them I still run r12 and one I converted to 134a - They are CHilly!

With r 12 being as expensive as it is the non green way doesn't seem to pay...


Greg

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

Thanks for the responses. I plan on converting the Duster to a modern refrigerant as well as upgrading the compressor and condenser. I will look around for both the tools and someone who can come to my house to evacuate the system and see which is cheaper.

I already have a manifold set that I use for charging and diagnosing, but I need a vacuum pump. Harbor Freight sells vacuum pumps for around $150, but I might try and find a better quality pump.

As far as a container goes for the refrigerant, can I get one of those ten gallon auxiliary air tanks, pull a vacuum on it, and then use that to hold the refrigerant?

You can do that, but it also will depend on what you are going to do with it afterwards. If you take it to a disposal site then EPA rules will require you to put it into a proper tank that is marked and painted. If you intend to keep it at home you can put it in anything but it may leak out over time, also if the system was not properly maintained moisture in the refrigerant/oil mix can cause it to be slightly acidic. If you intend to sell it as salvaged refrigerant to someone else you'll need to pass the online MVAC Sec.609 test.

-D.Idiot

I would Get This one..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mastercool-9006 ... 8477408%26


Unfortunately the sell I bought from does not have them - but this is the same unit at the same price.


Maybe if you look up patriot supply on ebay and see if you can buy one of these from them. Mastercool 6CFM Vacuum pump.

The Higher CFM the Better.

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

Hmmmm. I wouldn't want to keep the old refrigerant. Maybe I will just pay someone else to deal with it.

Hook up a gauge set or hit the Schrader valve to see if there's actually some R12 in it before you decide to do anything else.........

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Oh yeah. Good idea.