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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.

Reply to
Phil Kallis
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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.

Reply to
Mike F

Reply to
Rob Guenther

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?

Reply to
James Sweet

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

Reply to
L.A.

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

Reply to
Ken Shelton

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)

Reply to
Mike F

Reply to
James Sweet

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.

Reply to
Mike F

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

Reply to
James Sweet

Reply to
Phil Kallis

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