location of high/low side to add AC Freeon in 89 camry??

[Bobby C 01TA]

looking for the valve on my gf's 1989 2.0 4 cyl camry (low side/high side) so i can add some freeon. The AC has been semi cold lately and I had it checked.. turns out the freeon is low and there are no leaks.. Where do I need to look to add a can of freeon? On all other cars in the family the nipple is right there.. on my MR2, on the GM van as well as my moms Nissan... thanks! If someone has a pic of the motor and can point out the exact spot for adding the A/C, it would be great!

[chronoti]

belive it should be on the compresser. also if the car has not been changed over to the new gas adding anythnig BUT R-12 OR FREEZE 12 will distroy the gas that is in there now, and can cause damage to other components. and if you were able to find where to check the pressure you should be able to add it from there also presuming you have a manafold or a propper pressure gauge.

[Bobby C 01TA]

my gf had her friend check the freeon for leaks etc but he moved to another state so theres no way of letting him do it.. and I have 2 cans of R-12..the old stuff.. The car will probably only need 1 can..wheres the compressor? i dont see the car much but will be working on it this weekend

[MCTOY]

Bobby,
Please understand that I'm not flaming you or anything and not my intention to offend you, but if you dont know where/what a compressor looks like, you probably should let a shop do the re-charge for you. (Take the R-12 with you, should only cost a very few dollars to install) Of course I'm assuming that the shop is honest! Also if you are low on refrigerant THERE IS A LEAK SOMEWHERE!!! The system does not 'use up' freon, nor does it wear out. For what it's worth, I'm an A/C contractor in 5 US states.
MCTOY

[Bobby C 01TA]

Originally posted by MCTOY
Bobby,
Please uderstand that I'm not flaming you or anything and not my intention to offend you, but if you dont know where/what a compressor looks like, you probably should let a shop do the re-charge for you. (Take the R-12 with you, should only cost a very few dollars to install) Of course I'm assuming that the shop is honestAlso if you are low on refrigerant THERE IS A LEAK SOMEWHERE!!! The system does not 'use up' freon, nor does it wear out. For what it's worth, I'm an A/C contractor in 5 US states.
MCTOY

no flame taken .. ya i may just take it to my mechanic and have him charge it up.. actually, from people that work on AC and that are ASE certified say that R12 does and can leak in the matter of years.. i always thought that once its in, its in and never leaks but they tell me otherwise.. on a side note, my dads van AC needed a charge and 2 cans were added 3 1/2 yrs ago.. it hasnt yet started blowing warm and is still freezing cold. I dunno lol but its all good.. thanks for the heads up

[es250nut]

The A/C valves in the Gen2 Camrys are usally located on the right strut tower next to the power steering resivior.

[MCTOY]

I understand Bobby. The usual culprits in 'NORMAL LEAKAGE' are the hi-lo side fittings getting loose or o-rings drying out, or very commonly, the schrader valves start seeping. Many refrigerants (For cars) now have sealers in them and will stop small leaks. Also, dirty (used) oil, or other debris in the refrigerant lines can plug small leaks. An extremely slow leak might take years to lose enough to effect the cooling capability. The fitting your looking for will be on the larger (Suction - low side) line, or on or near the accumulator. (Looks like a big black can.) Trace the large line, you'll find a fitting! Look for a small glass window on the line or accumulator. Put in ONLY enough with system ON (Less than a full can in your case) in to make the window appear clear - no bubbles passing by or oil 'streaks', and you will be close to proper charge. Keep in mind that this is 'backyard mechanic' way of doing it. Properly done, I would leak check the system, repair leak, replace schrader valves (Cheap) vacuum, and re-charge to manuf. specs. Hope this helps you out.
MCTOY

PS: chronoti's advice is important. Make sure you have the correct refreigerant! (Should be r-12 for your year, but check anyways)