AC Condenser Repair

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Someone had replaced the compressor in this unit. The stubs on the new compressor were in different positions than the original compressor, so they  "stretched" the copper discharge line. This never works for very long. The stressed copper leaked where it went through the condenser support. I brazed in a 6" piece of tubing to take the stress off the line, cut the bent section  with the crack, swagged the line reconnected the line, brazed all joints, pressure tested, pulled vacuum, & recharged. The tech before me told the customer it was "unrepairable". I repair a lot of equipment that has been deemed "unrepairable"! Attached Images
Reply:Maybe not as 'pretty' as when new, but if it works...Is that an old R-22 system?
Reply:No, not pretty, but it's cool,  held 300 psi for 20 mins. Yes it is a 12 y/o R-22 system. The last 30# drum I bought last week cost over $ 400.00 the phase out is taking it's toll. You don't just shoot a little in anymore for a few bucks. I went into business in 1990 at that time I could buy a 30# drum for  $ 30.00 .
Reply:I been trying to find someone with R-12 laying around.  NOTHING.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Originally Posted by DualieI been trying to find someone with R-12 laying around.  NOTHING.
Reply:Dualie, what are you using, that you need R-12?
Reply:Old cars.   No matter what they tell you or want you to believe the R-134 conversions don't blow as cold as the R-12 systems. Mainly i want it for my 83 Mercedes 300SD.    The one thing the Germans never thought you would need to fiddle with is the AC evaporator its buried in the dash so deep you actually have to pull the dash and the windshield to get at it.    I don't want to gimmick around with it anyway that i don't have to.want to sell that R-12?Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:I have retrofit-ed several cars & trucks with R-134-A , you shouldn't have to alter anything to do it. There's plenty of R-12 still out there to be had, that is if you really want to pay the price for it.Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.
Reply:lots of r12 on fleabay.miller thunderbolt 250vlincoln square wave tig 175 prolincoln idealarc mig sp250everlast tig 210EXTeverlast power plasma 50chicago electric (hf) 130 tig/90 arcchicago electric 90 amp flux wire3 sets oxy/acet
Reply:Originally Posted by DualieOld cars.   No matter what they tell you or want you to believe the R-134 conversions don't blow as cold as the R-12 systems. Mainly i want it for my 83 Mercedes 300SD.    The one thing the Germans never thought you would need to fiddle with is the AC evaporator its buried in the dash so deep you actually have to pull the dash and the windshield to get at it.    I don't want to gimmick around with it anyway that i don't have to.want to sell that R-12?
Reply:There's a pawn shop by me selling  a half full jug of 12 for about $250 I'm tempted to buy it. Nice repair. I've done that a few times myself. Nothing like fixing the unfixable. As far as pretty goes, well pretty costs double.
Reply:Oh and just for reference, r-22 is still one of the most common refrigerants around. Most manufacturers are getting around the phase out by simply selling the units " dry" as in no refrigerant charge, then the field tech puts the 22 in them. $400 for a thirty? That bites. We get it by the pallet and are paying about $300.
Reply:Yes it does bite, enough that I am  moving on to MO99 as a replacement, it runs around $250.00 per 30# drum, & will hopefully start going down in price instead going up like R-22. One thing is for sure, none of it is ever going to be as cheap as R-22 used to be.Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.
Reply:I was looking at this as a replacement, that is until I did a little research & found out it is Liquified Petroleum. Note in the description he is very careful, NOT to tell the buyer this!http://www.ebay.com/itm/Substitute-R...26844925972444Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.
Reply:Originally Posted by lstiltsI have retrofit-ed several cars & trucks with R-134-A , you shouldn't have to alter anything to do it. There's plenty of R-12 still out there to be had, that is if you really want to pay the price for it.
Reply:Welded a condensor line for a guy at work yesterday, What are the chances I could'nt find a dime. Buddy of mine built  a 383 stroker for one of his cars, and hooking up A/C to it. Attached ImagesI hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys