A/C Refrigerant to Use

Dear Fellow Listers,

I have '96 850, with an apparently leaking A/C system. I began to have
weak cooling a few months ago, so I charged it up with about 3 cans of
R-134, with good results.

Now, it's time to recharge again, since the same symptoms are
re-appearing. Tonight, I bought 3 cans of R-134a, differing as follows:

- One can is just straight R-134a
- Another can is "high mileage" R-134a, with "leak sealer". The text on
the can reads: "Interdynamics High Mileage Refrigerant 134a includes
Anti-Wear and Lubricant restoring additives, designed to achieve
smoother and quieter performance, protect against wear and extend the
life of a frequently used or older AC system. The leak sealer included
will seal most leaks (usually located in rubber components), except
those larger defects requiring mechanical repair".

- The last can is 134a with UV Leak Check. Note: This dye is certified
to meet SAE J2297 for R134a and PAG lubricants. Ultraviolet leak
detection dyes should not be used unless they are expressly endorsed by
the A/C system and/or vehicle manufacturer or meet the requirements of
SAE J2297.

The manufacturer of this dye is Genetron.

Which refrigerant can be used? All of them? Only some, but not in
combination with others? Do I endanger the system with either the dye or
sealer refrigerants?

Please hurry with cool answers, as it's hotter than Iraq here.

Thanks.

 

They all can be used. First I would try to seal the leak. If that
didn't work then use the one with the dye so the leak can be found.

 

Same here, last year on the 93' 960. They didn't find anything with the dye,
and I guess all the small leaks got hit by sealer... the A/C has never been
so fast acting or blown such cold air.

 

What happens to the excess leak sealer? Does it gum up the system if it
leaks anyway and air gets in, or does it decompose if not activated
immediately?

 

Use leak sealer and make sure that you don't use any freon with OIL in it.
You DONT want more oil.

 

Phil, whoa

A full charge is 1.63# = 26 ounces. Each can is 12 ounces. Too much
refrigerant is bad...high head pressure and poor refrigerating.

So, add the one can with leak sealer. Your system probably isn't completely
empty, so one can at a time should work.

Ken

 

The propaganda indicates that the sealer is activated by exposure to
oxygen. So as long as there's no oxygen in the system the sealer just
zooms around waiting for the next leak. And there isn't really anything
small enough to clog up except the orifice tube (or expansion valve)

 

What happens if you discharge the system so the whole thing has oxygen in
it? Then you have leak sealer sitting in the compressor, orifice tube,
coating the walls of the condensor and evaporator, and all over the place.

 

That's a heck of a good question. I can't answer that, sounds like a
question that should be put to the manufacturers of the product.

 

Did you check the hose from the compressor to the condensor? It's nortorious
for the bracket wearing a hole through the aluminum

 

Hmmm... thanks, I'll check that.