Re: R12 A/C

[alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx]

George.Barrowcliff@domain.elided wrote:
> 88 325 is
>   Over the years the R12 has leaked out and I was told that the assembly
> where the sensor screws into has a thin wedge shaped solder extrusion
> coming out of the assembly.  Before charging again, this assembly should
> be replaced and strong consideration to changing from R12 should be
given.

George,
Any time anything goes wrong with an R12 AC system, it is almost always
cheaper to convert to R134a due to the cost of refrigerant charge alone.
Most E30 conversion kits cost under $100.
Learn more here: http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/misc/ac.htm

> Since this was quoted at $300 for a 14 year old car that I just finished
> spending $500 for water pump, timing belt, tensioner and Inspection II,
> I am wondering if there is another way other than getting hot.

$300 for the retrofit is reasonable, assuming it includes the cost of
charging the system with R134a and parts to perform the retrofit.
$500 for a t-belt job + Inspection II (glorified oil changes) is a bit
steep.
I remember paying around $250 (parts and labor) for my first t-belt job
before I learned how to DIY. Changing engine, tranny and diff oils should
not cost $250, but that again I do not know what else was done under the I2
pretext.

alex f

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