Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

James89dx on Sun May 06, 2012 2:48 PM

Year: 1989
Make: Honda
Model: Civic
Engine Size: 1.5
Refrigerant Type: R12

So I pulled a vacuum on my car for an hour and a half, it's been sitting now holding steady just under 30 Hg for over an hour and a half now and I go to charge it and I realize the friggin charge hose on my manifold set won't mate to my r12 can top tap. I have several adapters but couldn't concoct a combination that worked.

I do have a can side tap that has two fittings on it which WILL connect to the charge hose but - and I realize this is probably a stupid question, I'm not sure exactly how I need to use the tap. I can't find ANYTHING online about how to do this, so I guess it must be so elementary that nobody on the interwebz has had to ask before.

My main questions are -

Can I just puncture it anywhere on the can? And, do I need to orient the can a certain way when charging?

Thanks in advance, I'm literally waiting to charge this thing right now

Dougflas on Sun May 06, 2012 4:41 PM

I used to just insert the can into the tap. I used to do this near the bottom of the can as it is stronger at that point. Hold the can so vapor only charges. (upside down)

James89dx on Sun May 06, 2012 7:49 PM

Thanks, I ended up just kind of tapping it right in the middle. I noticed it kind of put a flat spot in the can around the rubber seal, so your suggestion about doing it toward the edge is a good idea as the can lip/edge would prevent it from deforming. Unfortunately I didn't see your response before doing it but thankfully it worked out for me. I know it was a dumb question but I get paranoid with this rinky system. Thanks for your reply