Freon/Refrigerant Issue

[ojgetaway32]

What freon originally came in an MC-9?  If you are charging the bus air system from bone dry, what refrigerant should you use?  134a, 22, 409a?  Should I just buy roof units?  Ugh.

Thanks, Josh

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Josh,

Early 80's MCI 9's came factory charged with R-12.

Some later 80's, came with R-22.

There is nothing like factory OTR air driving down the highway on a hot day....

Good Luck
Nick-

[gumpy]

MC9s came with R-12. You can't afford it, let alone buy it now.

If your system hasn't been converted, you could convert it to R-134a. Requires a very expensive synthetic oil, and you have to flush out the old oil with the new, drain it, and replace. Takes about 2 gallons to do the job. You also have to change the dryer. While you're at it, you should find the leak and fix it, as well as replace the 4 hoses (might be where the leak is). You'll have to pull a vacuum on the system before you recharge. Takes 24 lbs of freon to recharge.

In my opinion, it's worth the time/expense to convert your system if it's intact and the compressor, condensor and evaporator are in good condition. You can't beat the road air with rooftops. However, it's not cheap to convert and maintain, and if you remove it you can gain some very valuable real estate where the components reside.

Only you can make the decision that's right for you and your bus.

craig