SMC Discussion Areas

I had Eric at GC rebuild the cooling system in my Cavalier CS80 about 5 years ago.  A few weeks ago it starting icing up a bit.  Eric said that I could try bumping up the charge, or send it in for replacement.  He pointed me to a self-piercing saddle valve (for 5/16" line), but it didn't have the fitting on the end that I needed to charge it with R134a (from Auto one) (looks more like it is used for water). Found one at Fun-Tronics that should work, but again, the recharge hose would not fit on it.  Went to AutoZone to see if I can find something that will work.  The guy looked at it and said that the valve had an R12 fitting.  He told me to check out a cooling supply parts store in town.  All they had was the exact one I got from Fun-Tronics.  He said that they do not deal with automotive cooling products.

Any ideas guys? Anyone know where to get a self-piercing valve that will accept the R134a, or where to get an adapter?

I would think there should be an adapter for an R-12 fitting to fit a R134A hose.. What about one of those A/C retrofit kits that convert 12 systems to 134A?

You'll have to use a standard 1/4" saddle valve & install a R134a low-side adapter to allow you to recharge the system with a can of R134a found at any auto supply store.

Would this be in a retrofit key like Ken talked about?  I've been trying to find a kit, but the auto parts stores that I have checked so far don't have any in stock yet.  They tell me it is only a summer item.  :Oo:

if you go to Autozone, the will allow you to go into the bqack with them to the seasonal/AC area & locate what you wish, you have to tell them that you are repairing an automobile & need the parts now, some other suppliers may only have them shipped to them depending on what season it is.

Or if you want to shop online this place has a lot
http://stores.ebay.com/Frosty-Freeze-AC-Products-Company

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  The guy that was helping me at AutoZone did go in the back to see if he could find a kit, but they didn't have any back there.  I looked a little on ebay this morning and I sent a message about  this auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110512153513&viewitem=) asking for some more info.

You might have to find a refrigeration manifold guage hose that goes from the old 1/4" flare fitting to the auto 134A valve on the cylinder. Most refrigeration parts suppliers 134A tanks use the 1/4" flare.

I found mine at a Auto Value store.