air conditioning pump removal

[Andrei Khabarov <akhabarov_imperial@xxxxxxxx>]

Is there any way to evaluate quality of current 
refrigerant and decide if I need to replace it?
It's R12 unfortunately. And If it's enough good
I prefer not to change it.

--- oldhop@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> Some may tell you that the pump can be removed by
> isolating the service valves 
> on each side of the pump,thus only losing a small
> amount of refrigerant,can be 
> done but not a good idea especially if its r12
> (unlikely, but it can result in 
> a $10,000 fine in this country)The oil in an air con
> system does not stay only 
> in the compressor it will migrate around your entire
> system.Point being that if 
> your oil is contaminated from your present unit you
> will cary this over to your 
> new pump. Have a fridgy reclaim the gas and re
> charge with new ,this will 
> ensure that you get the correct charge in the unit
> as it will be measured from 
> empty.May be a good time to move from r12 if thats
> what you have at pesent .
> regards HOP 
> 
>