Hi guys I found some r12 for my ac(yea) where can I get a good set(with out going broke) of Gauges...What should I look for that I will need on the gauges...Thanks for the info...

Go on line to a Harber Fright, there not the best, but cheep.

Hi guys I found some r12 for my ac(yea) where can I get a good set(with out going broke) of Gauges...What should I look for that I will need on the gauges...Thanks for the info...

anyone else? :hurray:

Check that the hose ends will fit your 1/4" flare fittings. A lot of the manifolds that are advertised for 134a have the hoses that fit the 134a fittings and are different.
Squido

Harbour Freight online doesn't show a listing for R12 gauge sets. Google search pulled a number of R12 sets. There is always Ebay.

Check that the hose ends will fit your 1/4" flare fittings. A lot of the manifolds that are advertised for 134a have the hoses that fit the 134a fittings and are different.
Squido

Harbour Freight online doesn't show a listing for R12 gauge sets. Google search pulled a number of R12 sets. There is always Ebay.

Thats what I needed to know..... I did go 2 H,F,and it didnt say a thing about R12...Why do some have 2 or 4 hoses..I'll try Google? Ebay just has so many I'm not sure what to bid on?

I don't know that I've seen any with four hoses. The dual gauge manifolds have three hoses. Red-high pressure, Blue- low pressure, and yellow- fill. Dual gauge manifolds allow you to monitor both high and low pressure simultaneously.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/R12-R22-R502-R134a-AC-MANIFOLD-GAUGE-SET-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ190297248205QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Automotive_Tools?hash=item190297248205&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/R12-R22-R502-R134a-AC-MANIFOLD-GAUGE-SET-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ190297248205QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Automotive_Tools?hash=item190297248205&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8)

I don't know that I've seen any with four hoses. The dual gauge manifolds have three hoses. Red-high pressure, Blue- low pressure, and yellow- fill. Dual gauge manifolds allow you to monitor both high and low pressure simultaneously.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/R12-R22-R502-R134a-AC-MANIFOLD-GAUGE-SET-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ190297248205QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Automotive_Tools?hash=item190297248205&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/R12-R22-R502-R134a-AC-MANIFOLD-GAUGE-SET-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ190297248205QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Automotive_Tools?hash=item190297248205&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A131 8)

Thanks dan I thought I saw ome with 2 hoses on each side.Now that I'm looking at some I'm not sure witch is the best to get.I guess as long as it shoot's R12 into her..(and get the 2 gauge's...........

What I think you might be seeing is that some of the gauges sets have extra
'dummy' connectors on the back side. When not in use the free ends of the hoses are connected to these to keep contaminants out.

Which type of R-12 container?
If it doesn't have a 1/4" S.A.E. flare valve you will need more than just the manifold w/gauges.
Same deal for the high side service port on the vehicle since regular 1/4" flare thread hoses won't fit it.

You probably should just find someone that knows what they're doing and has all the equipment to pressure test and evacuate the system.

Not that anyone can't dump in some refrigerant and maybe guess close enough for the system to work somewhat but it may leak back out right away too.

Which type of R-12 container?
If it doesn't have a 1/4" S.A.E. flare valve you will need more than just the manifold w/gauges.
Same deal for the high side service port on the vehicle since regular 1/4" flare thread hoses won't fit it.

You probably should just find someone that knows what they're doing and has all the equipment to pressure test and evacuate the system.

Not that anyone can't dump in some refrigerant and maybe guess close enough for the system to work somewhat but it may leak back out right away too.

Well I have cans and a bigger bottle..The ac has been done at a local shop and is working great.. I was going to get the gauges to have since I have the R12..A buddy at work said back in the day he use to service cars with ac so I wanted this to maybe put some in (IF NEEDED) after winter.I know the guys on here know there stuff and would point me on the right path..Thanks.

Your idea is good but there's more to it than just shooting freon in the system when you think it needs it. A/C systems are designed to operate with a certain amount of freon AND OIL. Any more or less and they lose efficiency and may, (will), be damaged. The only way to service the freon is to remove the old freon, evacuate the system with a vacuum pump, check for leaks and then refill with the exact amount of freon for the system. Even more complicated, and important, is making sure the system has the correct amount of oil. The ONLY way to ensure an unknown A/C system has the correct amount of freon and oil is to remove the freon, disassemble the system, drain the oil from the system and recharge with the correct amount of oil and freon.
Even if you use a recovery machine to remove and measure the freon, it only gets some of the oil out to measure. You know how much oil was suspended in the freon but there's no way to know how much oil is still in there without dissassembly/draining.
I would have to say that over the years I have made 10 gazillion dollars fixing AC systems that people just use gauges and shoot freon in. Either from the air not blowing cold enough, (too much/too little freon), or from damaged components, (too much/too little oil). And I would say that of the cars I've fixed for A/C problems, 95% of them didn't have close to enough oil in them. It's about half and half on them having too much or not enough freon. And don't get me started on how much money I've made from people thinking the sight glass actually works.

If you don't follow the instructions above, I can guarantee you 100% that your A/C system won't have the correct amount of freon and, more importantly, oil in it. A/C service is one of those things that seems easy on the face of it but is actually pretty involved to do CORRECTLY.
There's a reason most old cars don't have functional A/C systems. ;)
I've only given you a rough outline on what needs to be done to service an A/C system. There's actually a whole lot more that needs to be done but there's not enough space here to go into it all. If you want to do it right, get yourself a good textbook on automotive technology/AC systems and go to it.

Mike

"A/C service is one of those things that seems easy on the face of it but is actually pretty involved to do CORRECTLY."

I like the way you think Mike.:thumbsup:

And all of that Interdynamics garbage promimantly on display at Autopeporeilleyadvancezone feeds the illusion that it's just as simple as putting (our product) in the system. AC service is "easy" but there is a lot to know to get it right.

Mike did bring up good points.

There are no magic chants, voodoo, or secret handshake involved with AC service. You don't need thousands of dollars worth of equipment, although they make it nice. It is technically no more difficult than rebuilding an engine or transmission. setting up differential gear, replacing quarter panels etc.

The information is out there and there are people willing to help those 'home' mechanics interested in learning to service their AC systems and have it done correctly. I would bet Mike would be one of them. :thumbsup:

There isn't one good A/C technician that didn't have their FIRST system.

As a matter of fact, the most common problem with air-conditioners is "low on refrigerant" and most anyone can add some and get it close enough to work fine for a season or two.

90% of the time no additional oil is needed because it doesn't always escape with the refrigerant.

I have several extra manifolds/gauges Jeff.
What do you have to pay forward to another member? (http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267405)

Your idea is good but there's more to it than just shooting freon in the system when you think it needs it. A/C systems are designed to operate with a certain amount of freon AND OIL. Any more or less and they lose efficiency and may, (will), be damaged. The only way to service the freon is to remove the old freon, evacuate the system with a vacuum pump, check for leaks and then refill with the exact amount of freon for the system. Even more complicated, and important, is making sure the system has the correct amount of oil. The ONLY way to ensure an unknown A/C system has the correct amount of freon and oil is to remove the freon, disassemble the system, drain the oil from the system and recharge with the correct amount of oil and freon.
Even if you use a recovery machine to remove and measure the freon, it only gets some of the oil out to measure. You know how much oil was suspended in the freon but there's no way to know how much oil is still in there without dissassembly/draining.
I would have to say that over the years I have made 10 gazillion dollars fixing AC systems that people just use gauges and shoot freon in. Either from the air not blowing cold enough, (too much/too little freon), or from damaged components, (too much/too little oil). And I would say that of the cars I've fixed for A/C problems, 95% of them didn't have close to enough oil in them. It's about half and half on them having too much or not enough freon. And don't get me started on how much money I've made from people thinking the sight glass actually works.

If you don't follow the instructions above, I can guarantee you 100% that your A/C system won't have the correct amount of freon and, more importantly, oil in it. A/C service is one of those things that seems easy on the face of it but is actually pretty involved to do CORRECTLY.
There's a reason most old cars don't have functional A/C systems. ;)
I've only given you a rough outline on what needs to be done to service an A/C system. There's actually a whole lot more that needs to be done but there's not enough space here to go into it all. If you want to do it right, get yourself a good textbook on automotive technology/AC systems and go to it.

Mike
wow point WELL taken..Yes I know about the oil I seen him put some in(with dye)I dont want to mess it up..I just thought you checked one of the 2 gauges and it showed if it had the right amount?Why do they spit oil Some one on here said of a part never to leak ever I got it it didnt make it 3 months and fell apart lost everything paid to have it done once more..All I want is it to be ICE cold....Dean what kind..$?

I usually that suggest that any DIYer considering an AC repair on their car first spend some time at www.autoacforum.com
There's a number of professional MVAC techs over there who are quite willing help out a newbie.
The forum sponsor, www.ackits.com, offers DIY starter kits that contain the tools necessary to do a home AC repair.
The kits are about $400, but it's the minimum necessary to do the job correctly. If you don't have access to those basic tools you can't do the job right, period.

I usually that suggest that any DIYer considering an AC repair on their car first spend some time at www.autoacforum.com
There's a number of professional MVAC techs over there who are quite willing help out a newbie.
The forum sponsor, www.ackits.com, offers DIY starter kits that contain the tools necessary to do a home AC repair.
The kits are about $400, but it's the minimum necessary to do the job correctly. If you don't have access to those basic tools you can't do the job right, period.

Got it thanks guys.......