Air Conditioning New System?

[Dobetter]

Hey, I have an '84 Fifth Avenue and she needs to have her A/C recharged. I heard that I need to get a new system to comply with A/C laws. (It has been a long time since it was recharged, so I'm not up on the new laws.)

Can anyone fill me in re: what I need to do?

Thanks.

[JVMopar]

So where is the leak in the system? Did you fix the leak? To be "legal" you really are supposed to fix the leak first. Refrigerant isn't a fuel it doesn't get used up, so if it's low it leaked out.

Now what would I do?? I'd vacuum the system out for 15 minutes. Turn the pump off and close the valves and make sure the system holds a vacuum for 5-10 minutes. If there is no vacuum leak then go ahead and put in the can of oil and fill the system with the specified amount of refrigerant. (usually on the tag on the compressor).

You can get conversion kits from walmart for a reasonable price.

Why do you have to vacuum. If the system has R-12 in it or is empty and has air (air contains moisture and moisture is bad) in it the system won't get as cold as it should.

Hope this helps.

[Dobetter]

Thanks, JV, for the tips.

I can't find the leak in the system, but she's not blowing any cold air.

Let me check into it more and see what I can find.