On Sat, 14 May 2005 07:55:21 -0700, "Michael Pardee"
<michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

>"zZero" <jsk2@excite.com> wrote in message
>news:1116047874.374953.63880@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
>> Funny, my '91 Integra AC just died as well. I assumed it was out of
>> coolant. I fear if I fill it up (if they still allow that refrigerant
>> and it's not illegal &/or exorbitant) it won't last. Happened on my
>> '83 Accord as well after about the same amount of time. Let us know
>> what you find out and if you solve the problem. You are riding shotgun
>> for me....Cheers
>>
>Not illegal, but definitely exorbitant. IIRC R-12 is running around $50/lb
>and your system will need a couple pounds if it is so low that the clutch
>isn't engaging at all any more. You can also look into conversion to R-134a.

I converted an old car to R134-a a year or two ago, and the cost was
about $100 more than repair and refill of the R-12 system. I figured
that after the next time that something went kerflooey it lost its
coolant, I'd be ahead of the game. And I was. As I recall, the
receiver/dryer and the fill/bleed connectors were the only parts that
had to be replaced. Maybe some gaskets and seals. Then a flush and a
refill with compressor oil and R-135a. I didn't need to replace the
compressor but that may not be true in all cases. Currently, I think
R-135a is $3 or $4 per pound.
--
Dan.