76 Scamp A/C

Hi Charrlie,


No, not an A/C professional, I’m self taught since I seized up the RV-2 compressor in my 71 Charger back in 1984 due to lack of oil and ignorance of A/C systems. The compressor ran out of oil and seized up fried the clutch. I found the hole in the bottom of the condenser later that caused the whole issue. I found I could buy the replacement parts and tools for less than it would have cost to have someone else repair the system. So, a reman. compressor, EPR valve, new clutch, dryer, condenser along with a vacuum pump and gauge set and I was all set. Over the years the tools have more than paid for themselves in maintaining the automotive A/C systems in the family. Phased into R-134A as R-12 disappeared and R-134A came in on newer cars. I still have the 71 Charger and it’s still R-12. No one around here will touch an R-12 system anymore. So, I have the ability to recover R-12 and still have a 30 pounder of R-12. Over the years I’ve added electronic and U/V leak detectors and have my 609 certification. I come from an engineering background and have learned that automotive A/C work isn’t all that hard to learn. I’ve also seen that many of the local shops that do A/C work aren’t really A/C professionals but more like general repair shops that also do A/C work. I often have a better understanding of how to do something properly than they do. These days no one really understands these the old Chrysler RV-2 systems so I try to pass along what I’ve learned over the years.