refilling Robinair R12/134 A/C machine

[3rdgendslmech]

A while back I got a deal on this machine off of a tool truck, came with about 8 lbs of 134 in it and I've done a few jobs with it here and there but once you get to 5 lbs it wants you to add more freon to the tank.
Once 2018 rolled around you can't buy 30lb cans of 134a unless you have a 609 certification. You can buy cases of the 12 oz cans all day long and nobody bats an eyelash. I plan on getting my Cert, its not hard, you can do it online and it costs like 25 bucks.
A while back at a yard sale I got a case of Dupont/Silva R134 for 15 bucks. Has anybody tried and had any success with refilling an a/c machine 12oz at a time or know if it can be done?

 

[andys]

That will be a tremendous waste of time. It takes while a bit of time for the machine to draw in from the supply tank.
I don't know how the fittings work or what you'd have to do to adapt them but plan on spending hours with the machine while each little can draws down.

 

[WhiffySpark]

609 tests takes like an hour.

 

[thanasi]

you can always try adding weight to the tank before you fill to fool the machine into thinking its full and see if it takes, been there done that. Also may help warm up the tank with a heating blanket if you have one hope this helps !


Tom

 

[edsauto]

I have same machine, should not take more than 1 min per can.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I don't think the online test will even take an hour. IIRC, I breezed through the old written test in about 20 minutes.

Here's a good self study manual for the test:

https://www.epatest.com/609/manual/manual.jsp


Tommy

 

[bigdav160]

yep, filling with cans is easy. I've done it many times.

 

[3rdgendslmech]

yep, filling with cans is easy. I've done it many times.

You're talking about refilling the machine right?

 

[WhiffySpark]

I don't think the online test will even take an hour. IIRC, I breezed through the old written test in about 20 minutes.

Here's a good self study manual for the test:

https://www.epatest.com/609/manual/manual.jsp


Tommy

On the online test the give you each answer in a link

 

[LS6 Tommy]

On the online test the give you each answer in a link

Figures. Might as well not even require the certification. And they wonder why there are so many "certified" people out there that don't know what they're doing...

Tommy

 

[3rdgendslmech]

Figures. Might as well not even require the certification. And they wonder why there are so many "certified" people out there that don't know what they're doing...

Tommy

Reminds me of 10 years ago when I bought my first handgun. Pretty sure my 5 year old nephew could have taken that test for me!

 

[bigdav160]

You're talking about refilling the machine right?

Hook a can tap to the hose, go to the menu for machine fill and let it rip. Keep feeding cans until you get past the minimum weight.

 

[TarheelMechanic]

That combo RRR machine is probably pushing 23 years old.....

By today's SAE charging standards, it is not very accurate for the smaller capacity systems.

Be sure to check scale accuracy as old machines tend to lead a rough and somewhat neglected life in the shop.

Did it come with instructions? What about weight (s) to check scale?

Hope you didn't give much for it as they do have somewhat of a limited life and repairs can be costly. Can you get parts for that old machine?

Check the filters also.

 

[Low50s]

Yes I have a ASE 609 but if you tell the parts house it’s for ag use you can get around it ... around here anyway

 

[Bretny]

609 is a federal thing. Unless your buying it in another country the laws are the same no matter what you say your buying it for.

Just take the test. The 609 is easy. I got my universal refrigerant license. Its a bit harder but impossible

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Just a thought, but if that machine is old enough, it may not be "legal" anymore, at least not to use "professionally". They all have to meet new standards now. You're good to go if it has a label stating "This equipment has been certified by AHRI/UL to meet EPA's minimum requirements for recycling and/or recovery equipment intended for use with [appropriate category of appliance]."

Tommy

 

[79firebird]

Funny ive bought a fue r134a this year with no prob now r410 i can not

 

[chris142]

I do it often. Customers like to bring their own refrigerant in.