Just trying to recharge and dye test a 1999 chevy 4.3 V-6 blazer. Bought it for a runaround, was told I needed to charge it when I bought it, but now am not 100% sure what type of refrigerant to use. As it is so low the compressor won't engage, I just want to throw a can with dye in it before I spend any real money. Do I use type 12 or 134?
2007-03-18 04:50:11 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First off there should be a label under the hood, usually on the cross member in front of the radiator that says what is in the system.
Secondly R12 connections are smaller and different then R134.
Thirdly most US manufacturers went to R134 before December 1995.
Wear eye protection. Add refrigerant only to the low side indicated normally by a cap with a L on it and light blue. Do not add too much as that can also damage the system.
Best bet, shop around for prices. Have a shop evacuate the system. This removes all the old refrigerant and then they hold it in a vacuum state to check for leaks. If all is good refill and you have AC. It is worth the money.
2007-03-18 05:01:29 · answer #1 · answered by shovelkicker 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
With this being a 99 Chevy you have a 134 system. R12s left the scene in 94-95. you should have a sticker under the hood somewhere that will tell you what type of system but It will be R134. I would have the system Evaced prior to charging it. If it does not hold a vaccum there is no point in charging the system. you main leak points are the joints and the charge vavles. they often just need o-rings or new vavles. simple repairs AC shops charge a fortune for.
2007-03-18 05:10:55 · answer #2 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Little connector = R12, bigger connector = R134. Not to worry, they won't fit if you have the wrong one. Also look for a sticker that gives the A/C stats, usually around the same area where they have the vacuum hose routing and paint codes sticker.
2007-03-18 05:58:01 · answer #3 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A/C uses R134 refrigerant in auto's and home's. Most recharge kits from a auto parts store have UV or green dye in them to detect leaks. Cost is dependent on how much your system holds. It will tell you under the hood if the stickers are still intact or contact a dealership or look in a repair manual.
2007-03-18 05:02:50 · answer #4 · answered by tbirds_rock 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your 99 uses 134.
2007-03-18 05:36:34 · answer #5 · answered by done wrenching 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go ahead and throw a can of r-12(if you can get it)into it,then the dye,to see if you got any leaks,then if no leaks,drain the system (like i did)and install 134 in it.you can buy the 134 at auto zone.you get 2 or 3 cans of 134,a connection to put it in and a guage.mine was dry,so i just got the kit at auto zone and charged it.they want to much at the garages to do it.
2007-03-18 05:00:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
134 is alot cooler but it costs a little more to switch it over. but before i put it in i would go and have someone run dye thru it to see if there was any leaks in the system before i payed to have it charged. better to be safe than sorry
2007-03-18 04:55:05 · answer #7 · answered by screamin_demon_1200 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The fittings for R134 are bigger, the connector for R12 will not fit them.
2007-03-18 05:02:15 · answer #8 · answered by James B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋