I dont know when Hyundai switched to R-134a, but the fittings are different. For an R12 system they are thread-on fittings. For an R-134a system, the fittings are a sort of clip-on-type of fitting. They are also noticeably larger than the older fittings that were used with the R-12 systems. If you go into an autoparts store, you will find most all available fittings and hoses have the R-134s style fittings. One reason for this is that you cant buy R-12 anymore unless you have a license to do a.c. work. Even so the R-12 is really expensive, as its no longer made in the U.S. (and is probably smuggled in from Mexico). R-134a is fairly cheap, and an ordinary hobbyist can still buy it in the individual cans.
You Always add freon and lubricant to the low pressure side of the system -- only. This would be the hose that is cool when the system is running. If its so low on freon that it wont run, then look for the line that runs between the evaporator (inside the car) and the compressor. Thats the low side. The high side runs from the compressor to the condenser in front of the radiator.
Any system that is low on freon is most probably also low on lubricant. So you need to add some lubricant along with the freon. If you add too much - thats bad. If you dont add enough, thats just as bad. And there is more than one kind of lubricant used with R-134a, it depends on your vehicle. Also adding too much freon is bad - and its not simple to tell when you have it right. Its one of the reasons I dont bother to fix auto a.c. systems much. Also I dont have the equipment required to do it properly.
There is a good website where you can learn all about this:
www.ackits.com - then find the word 'forum' on the home page, and click on that, or find the FAQ link. You can also put in your make model and year, and have it tell you which type of refrigerant that system can handle.
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06-23-2008, 04:07 PM
goals.
