If the system is empty or low on charge, the compressor will not engage. There is a low pressure safety switch that protects the compressor for low or high pressure in the system.
That’s correct, the car has R12 in it, and they said that R12a is compatible. So far is seems to be holding up well. They pop up on Craigslists from time to time, but eBay is full of R12a sellers. Good luck and thanks for watching!!
@@billden4901 Welp, unfortunately not long after I released that video, my Saab lost all oil pressure. We figured out that it is probably the oil pickup tube o-ring, but I just haven't had the time to pull out the engine to replace it. Hopefully I get to it this winter. Sorry I couldn't give you a long-term update. But, R12a is getting a bit harder to find, so if I were to do this again now, I would probably convert over to R134a. Good luck and stay cool !!!
If the system is empty or low on charge, the compressor will not engage. There is a low pressure safety switch that protects the compressor for low or high pressure in the system.
Got it, so I might need to add another can then?
its the compressor that kicks on, not the condensor. And its R134, not 123
You should be using a probe-type thermometer that AC techs use to measure the dash vent temp.
OK, thanks for the tip ... I'll have to see if I have a probe-type thermometer. Otherwise, its off to Harbor Freight to get one :)
even in 100F temps, dash vent temps should be between 40 and 45F
OK, I'll check with the probe-type thermometer and see what temp it reads, but probably not 40 or 45 is my guess.
the compressor was not running. Just the pulley was turning. The clutch was not engaged.
Good catch, I didn't see that. It did feel cooler when I turned the A/C switch on, so I just assumed it was running correctly.
Thanks for the video, My Saab needs to be topped up. So you had Original R12 in the system and you added the R12a?
That’s correct, the car has R12 in it, and they said that R12a is compatible. So far is seems to be holding up well. They pop up on Craigslists from time to time, but eBay is full of R12a sellers.
Good luck and thanks for watching!!
@@kintsugimoto Hi again, its been a while and my car is almost done. Wondering, after a year if you had any issues with the recharge? Kind Regards.
@@billden4901 Welp, unfortunately not long after I released that video, my Saab lost all oil pressure. We figured out that it is probably the oil pickup tube o-ring, but I just haven't had the time to pull out the engine to replace it. Hopefully I get to it this winter. Sorry I couldn't give you a long-term update. But, R12a is getting a bit harder to find, so if I were to do this again now, I would probably convert over to R134a. Good luck and stay cool !!!