A/C repair & restoration options

Pete_89T2 · \r\n \r\n \r\n 07-22-2011, 01:34 PM\r\n \r\n \r\n

Well after 22 years of providing ice-cold A/C, my '89T2 is having trouble cooling down the cabin. Just last week it was blowing ice cold air (better than my newer cars), but today it was blowing barely chilled air. Checked the sight glass per the FSM procedure, and I've got the bubbles showing, plus the low pressure side plumbing to the evaporator core is just slightly cooler than ambient temp (it should be ice cold when A/C is running). Compressor seems to be running fine; clutch engages, and it sounds normal as compared to how it used to sound when all was well.

This means I've lost some R12 freon, and there is most likely a leak to hunt down, fix and then properly recharge the system with R12. Since I don't have A/C service tools, looks like my options are limited to finding & bringing it to a competent shop - living without A/C is NOT an option. So here's my questions...

1. Anyone know of a reputable auto A/C shop in the northern MD/DE/PA tri-state region?

2. Fix the system & stick with R12, or bite the bullet and do the conversion to R134a? I think the R12 route makes better sense, despite the expensive cost of R12, since I've read you pretty much have to replace a good portion of the A/C system components if you switch over to R134a - true?

Makes me long for the good old days, when you can buy R12 for a few bucks a can anywhere without an EPA license and fix it yourself.

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