We normally carry out a "vacuum test", which involves putting the vehicle on the machine and sucking the system to a vacuum, this takes half an hour. if it holds the vacuum the system should be ok. However sometimes the the system holds vacuum, however the gas still leaks out.

Its not really possible to check for leaks until a charge of gas has been put through the system. We Use a gas "sniffer" which can help trace the leak, or a UV light if the dye has been put through the system.

cheers datman.$260 not to bad really,so is it possible to check for leaks before attempting it but,?

we do A/C retro fitting in western Sydney,
It involves removing the old R12 gas, changing the old "o" rings.
Also the Charge ports need to be changed in order to suit the new A/C machines.
and putting a fresh charge of R134A

We charge around $260 providing nothing is damamged in the system.

yeah you can get the old R12 units retrofitted to R134A. Its not a difficult exercise i am led to believe. Just a matter of evacuating the old gas, replacing seals, and regassing. But that is assuming that the aircon isstill functional on the old gas. If its been U/S for a while, then you may need to replace other bits.

car has air con but has the old gas setup in it,apparently you can retrofitted to suit new r134 gas.ta

hey what motor are you running because an AC system can be made to suit motor cars with an AC compatable motor (compressor mount),the hardest bit is plumbing it up ,but apart from that you will need condencer, reciever drier, compressor and the incab unit with fan
hope this helps

anyone do a/c retro fits or know somewhere that will do at a reasonable price in sydney or south coast?ta