Hi Since I'm such an environmentally correct person (hope that gave me some points somewhere), I've decided to ask before doing something I'm not sure about. I'm planning on taking out the radiator for the ac, since it doesn't work and the car runs hot; this would free up more air for the main radiator and hopefully keep the car running a bit cooler. I started undoing a bunch of bolts, and then I came to the canister (containing freon?) located on front of the radiator. There was no way I could remove it without letting out the gas it seemed like, so I put everything back together again and deciced to ask about proceeding with this. Is it illegal to open this thing? Is it freon in it? Should I stick a covering bolt at the ends of the hoses I disconnect, or is it ok to just leave them? Any help is as always appreciated...
It is the receiver-dryer you are talking about. While it is illegal to vent it to the atmosphere assuming you are still running R-12, noone is going to break down your door if you do. To do this properly, you need to have the system evacuated with a recycling\recovery machine. Shouldnt cost that much considering thats all the service shop would have to do.
you may even talk to some HVAC guys in your area to take it in. there are guys who stockpile the R12 and sell it used for vintage equipment. (in some places this is illegal but others it's ok if they have the proper permits)
The gas is still in there, I started taking off a bolt and it started to leak. If the engine was running cold, I'd just leave it where it is, but since taking the ac radiator out to let more air in, isn't too much trouble I think it will have to go. The compressor is shot, you can see the bearing rings at the front are displaced. The alternator doesn't have the dual pulley anymore so it's probably not been working for a while. Who would the "HVAC guys" be? I'm not up to scratch with the terminology yet, but soon I'll be there. It be nice if I could just stop by some garage and empty it through filter system or something, what kind of garage deals with this kind of stuff? I guess air conditioning specialists or something like that. Many thanks for the help
There was a report that the hole in the ozone layer shrunk 20% over the last few years. so the next count will only be 19%. let the gas free. But really a junk yard may vacuum your system of Freon for free. They usually have a machine and such cars clean before being crushed then resell the gas. Id call a few big one.
It would be great if everyone did this. The only problem you would have is if someone put something other than R12 in it and they test it first. If they can't test it they may not do it for you. Some repair shops may even do it. Kind of like oil, sure you could put it down the drain or dump it somewhere, but if someone will take it for free why not get rid of it correctly? Just my .02 John
