Air-Con?

[yardelli]

Is there a problem getting older Esprits (G '87) Air-con recharged? I've read pre-1990 cars (not just Esprits) had coolant that is now banned?

[techspy]

R12, which you would have as opposed to R134, is not banned. It is now regulated so you can not buy it at the auto parts store as in the past. It is more expensive now. Basically they don't manufacture it anymore, but there is a large stockpile. It is about $30 for a 12 oz can, but you have to be licensed to purchase it. Otherwise, just go to an auto repair shop that does air conditioning. Just be prepared to pay high $ for it. Also, don't believe them if they say it is illegal to refill your system if it has a leak. The may tell you this to try to get extra $ from you for a repair, and it is not true. I know all of this because I recently needed to fill my AC. I just went ahead and paid $15 online to take the test and get a license to purchase it myself. I don't have the link handy, but do a search on here and you will see one of my older threads with the link to get certified. After that, you can order it off the internet. I purchased 2 cans and the hose to refill the system for $60. Well worth it, it blows cold again.

John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html

[incautious]

The link to take the online test is www.qwik.com
I've done it, it's legit. I've found R-12 on ebay for as little as $10/lb

[bojangles]

guys that buy lotus should be more than average morons and they should not suddenly have a right to disperse R12 at will. It is controlled for serious reasons..
be responsible. dont charge a leaking system.... the test for leaks is inexpensive and often easy to repair,, find an honest shop, and be honest yourself..

Be better than the rest -- you already chose lotus cause it is cool and rare and technically advanced.. dont throw all that away and dump R12 in the air..

I choose to leave little bit of rubber in my wake......
Bruce
s4s

[bojangles]

it is a real pet peeve of mine that car message boards condone wasting R12...........
grrrrrr,....

[techspy]

Actually, I imagine that for every report/set of numbers that you can produce that indicate r12 is detrimental to the environment, I could produce one that says it isn't. I don't have a lot of faith in the tree hugger that is quick to condemn an item that supposedly counts for such a small percentage of the "problem" when there are other aspects that can be addressed that account for the majority of the problem, IE: almost all aspects of Chinas industry. Additionally, after certain items are banned from production, what happens? Other countries that don't follow the same laws, start producing the product at a lower quality, which probably is 10 fold more detrimental to the environment.
I am concerned about the environment. I am usually the first to pick up someone elses trash, and I always recycle everthing from bottles to used oil. However, being concerned about the 16 oz of r12 that I may contribute in 2 years time, is not going to make me lose any sleep.
I appreciate your right to feel the way you do, but I respectfully dissagree.

John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html

[bojangles]

Now I dont know for sure anything about you,,,, but generalising ,let me say that is a freaking typical american attitude(note when I type "you" I dont mean you personally". Thinking nothing about anything but yourself. You may be well travelled and educated and so on. But that sort of comment is ridiculous, along the lines of those that think Canadians all live in Igloos. Or also, "where is Bud-light?" in an English pub.... Just so frustrating. MEMEMEMMEMEMMEMEME never a second thought how you affect the people around you. Loud in a quite rooom, barging in a crowd... all part of The worldwide reputation of the Americans. I am not saying this is you but I am saying your ( now I mean you ) attitude about R12 adds to my frutration with the American way.
There is always a group in every message board that seem to support this type of thing.

You think that an unproven thing would halt world production of anything? Do you think that Every refrigeration unit in the world was redesigned just to be nice to an errant tree hugger? Come on - have a little faith in the scientists. I have 2 cars with R 12 and I will one day may need to buy a can to charge it. If I do it one day, I will try to do a reasonable attempt to make sure there is not a leak. I certainly will not Blast it all over the internet that I am doing such things..

You may have a clear conscience but that does not mean much, most criminals dont feel sorry for the crime until after.
Riak taking with our world it not cool.

MY Opinion on the subject, basesd on other messsage board experiences, not an attack on the person ...

[techspy]

Again, I respect your opinion, but dissagree. Its obvious that your issue is more than the use of r12. I don't think it is possible to correctly address your view of other nationalities on this board. Nor is this the right place to try to do that. Therefore, I will comment no further on the subject. Now lets get back to Esprit talk!

John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html

[bojangles]

OK, you are wrong about dispersing R12 and this board should not condone it. Period..
If you think singlehandedly you have more information about greenhouse gasses than the world's scientists... good for you.

I still like the work you have done on your car..

Discussion of typical american things are very appropriate on this board.. The cars are VERY British,,,, and many owners are American,,, the clash is improtant to understand.

[NJGSX96]

bojangles said:

...Or also, "where is Bud-light?" in an English pub.... Just so frustrating. MEMEMEMMEMEMMEMEME never a second thought how you affect the people around you..

Off topic, but why is it frustrating to have an American ask for Bud-light in an English pub? You don't see us criticizing Europeans for expecting Guinness, Becks, or any other European brews in an American bar (I have seen it). Even saw some Brits in Mexico at the WRC get all jammed up they were only serving Corona.... It is Mexico people!

Cheers

[NJGSX96]

bojangles said:

Discussion of typical american things are very appropriate on this board.. The cars are VERY British,,,, and many owners are American,,, the clash is improtant to understand.

I agree that a discussion, not a razing, can be appropriate. However, I think you need to understand everyone, regardless of whether you are British or American or whatever, have faults. And on the flip side, can be wonderful people.

That being said, don't get me started on the British. It is a sore spot after my visit to England.

>> Edited by NJGSX96 on Friday 30th April 22:45