the usual r12 dilema...

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is there any way to test the system to see if there's a leak somewhere,without having to pay 50+dollars every time to troubleshoot it?
 
Needing R12 is one thing. Is your A/C system holding the vacuum and it's refrigerant thou?

(*wifey's 93 CAmry Vee6 has lost 1/2 of it's R12 over the years of service and while it still works somewhat, it's just not cold enough and while I contemplated in converting it over to R134a, at the end: it's not worth converting it since it does not leak refrigerant....*)

My 2c's worth. I know Mexico may still have some if you can travel that far.

Q.
 
Use an alternative refrigerant. Older vehicles loose it through old seals. Mine does over the winter. I put Enviro-safe in my 1995 Voyager. It was a matter of no AC or maybe AC. They had a seal conditioner that I put in as well.
 
My friends have bought "Freeze 12" and used it to top off low R12 systems. It works, even though the manufacturer states never to mix Freeze 12 and R12.
 
I've used Freeze 12 several times in old R12 systems in trucks and agricultural equipment. It cools well, and I've never seen it cause any problems.

And, yes, it's illegal to mix Freeze 12 with R-12... so you will definitely burn in 113H if you dare to mix them. But I've been told that it works fine (can't remember who told me that). Not that I'd ever do anything of the sort, of course.

If you switch to Freeze 12, you're legally required to swap the service fittings over to some specific Freeze-12 fittings (which will not fit your R-12 gauges), and properly label the system. Now... a side-tap for a standard R-12 can will physically fit on a Freeze 12 can, and your standard R12 gauges will work just fine (theoretically, of course). But it's illegal and you'll burn in 113H if you try it.
 
there are several brands of drop in replacement refridgerants for R-12 systems, most are not approved for use in cars or trucks.

mainly because the contain trace amounts of propane or some other flammable gas.

i have used a product called hot shot with success, it also works well in early R-134a systems
 
You can't use R134 in a R12 system. You need to get it converted to R134. It can be done for a reasonable price if you know someone. But don't vent the old gas into the atmosphere for Pete's sake.
 
What kind of compressor is on the car? If it's the funny square one made by Diesel-kiki you can't use R134a in it. If it's a Sanden it should work on R134a.

You really need to replace the Reciever dryer and replace all the O-Rings when converting to R134a. How well the system works will depend on how efficient the condensor is.
 
There is plenty of r12 available particularly on ebay. Freeze 12 is VERY close to r12 (difluormonochloromethane) and is effective. Yes, Freeze 12 is flammable--so is gasoline. Anything that is practical, rational and effective is generally illegal. The system can be converted to 134a but compressor head pressures are higher. I personally stay with r12 (3 vehicles) as it is the best for mobile systems. My$.02 worth. Best regards. John--Las Vegas.
 
The problem with using these oddball refrigerants is that shops do not want to touch your system if it does not have 100% R12 or 100% R134A. It's difficult to find someone to evacuate the system if you ever needed to.

Just use R12. It's still available and it isn't that expensive. It costs less than $300 to do a charge, which is much cheaper than tearing the system apart and rolling the dice with R134A or one of those R12 equivalents.
 
Originally Posted By: Chris142
What kind of compressor is on the car? If it's the funny square one made by Diesel-kiki you can't use R134a in it. If it's a Sanden it should work on R134a.
not sure which one it has.
 
Originally Posted By: Chris142
What kind of compressor is on the car? If it's the funny square one made by Diesel-kiki you can't use R134a in it. If it's a Sanden it should work on R134a.

You really need to replace the Reciever dryer and replace all the O-Rings when converting to R134a. How well the system works will depend on how efficient the condensor is.
so, to convert, all i have to do is make sure it's a sanden and replace the dryer and 0-rings? what year dryer will replace this dryer?
 
>> But it's illegal and you'll burn in 113H if you try it.

Yes, but your AC will work, so you'll be cool while you're burning in 113H.
 
Originally Posted By: daves66nova
what year dryer will replace this dryer?
Any new dryer you buy will be compatable with R134a unless it's an old R12 dryer thats been on the shelf for 15+ years.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: crw
>> But it's illegal and you'll burn in 113H if you try it.Yes, but your AC will work, so you'll be cool while you're burning in 113H.
it's illegal????
 
Originally Posted By: daves66nova
Originally Posted By: crw
>> But it's illegal and you'll burn in 113H if you try it.Yes, but your AC will work, so you'll be cool while you're burning in 113H.
it's illegal????
EPA law states that R12 can never be mixed with other refrigerants, and that if a non-R12 refrigerant is to be put in, the R-12 must be totally recovered, and that the vehicle must have barrier hoses if something other than r134a goes in.

But of course, it is another thing that is so hard to prove, that who gets caught?
 
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