What are you folks doing about need to find fluid to regenerate air-conditioning in a classic (1986 XJ6)? Help, my wife will leave me if I don’t get this taken care of before the summer arrives.

 

Most have retrofitted the system with appropriate hoses/nozzles, driers, etc. to accept the more modern 134a freon.

If you can find a shop that still sells R12 at a reasonable price or want to buy some after acquiring licensing over the internet, you could simply recharge the existing system. My local shop can still acquire R12 at a reasonable price and that makes the AC ice ice cold.

Conversion is likely to be more expensive in a single season but over the years, multiple R12 refreshes might get expensive, especially given the unreliability of sourcing and prices. It's all a matter of perspective as to which is best but I like the r12 and don't think the r134a coolant feels nearly as cold.

 

Or, if you want superior cooling, fill up with HC12a; Propane refrigerant used in RVs slightly modified for automotive application.

I had a car OEM for R12 which I converted to 134, and I can tell you it sucked pond water! Husband filled it with Propane and it was even Better than Freon!

I *Highly* recommend it. In fact, when (not if) Nix needs a charge (currently has R12) she's gonna get Propane.
(';')

 

Just going through this , look up HiChill. It can be bought without licences from an auto store. Comes in 300g cans.
HyChill - Minus 30

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...2/#post1226362

 

another alternative refrigerant for R12 is Freeze12, and there are many more alternatives.

R134a sucks, especially at idling in red lights, it does not cool. Do not waste the money converting to it.

go to eBay and search for "automotive a/c refrigerant" and learn about all the alternatives.

 

Clarke, I have been following your AC thread with great interest. Things I've seen in my own car, I can fully believe someone didn't bother to connect the hoses!!

Husband has a supply of Propane but I'll look into HyChill.

Jose, the Calamity Howlers scream Bloody Murder around here if one dares even Mention Propane refrigerant! There are Lurid speculations of such equipped vehicles spontaneously Exploding on the public roadways endangering innocent children and pregnant mothers.

None of them Ever mentions the Thousands, or perhaps Hundreds of thousands of campers with Propane bottles hanging off the rear bumpers, Exposed!!
(';')

 

propane does sound explosive, if you know what I mean...just ask Hank Hill

 

My AC pulley is locked and I took off the belt. So there is a good chance that if I get it recharged [Freeze12 or HyChill (minus 30)] and put a new belt back on it may work?

 

it sounds like your compressor locked up, not the pulley or clutch.

by the way:

Coolant is what you put in the radiator, also known as anti-freeze / anti-boil.

Refrigerant gas is what you put in the a/c system.

if your GM Harrison A6 compressor is shot, replace it with the revised GM Harrison A6 which is lighter and more efficient than the old Harrison compressors.

you can find it at Retro Air in Texas. http://retroair.com/gmjaguara6replacement.html