Another question. My A/C needs charging but it requires R-12 according to the warning sticker under the bonnet. Do any of you either have experience with switching over to R 134a or know of anyone that can refill R-12--I'm aware of the clean air act of '94, but considering one can still buy R-12 online, I'm sure there is someone who can recharge it for me. I'm in the Twin Tiers region of NY/PA. Hopefully someone has a contact there. Thanks again.

Submitted by ackermans@nort… on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 00:20

If you still have problems with your A/C, another refrigerant that will work is MP39, or MP66,(no oil change) they are compatible with the oil in the R12 system and that is why a conversion to R134 is costly, all the original oil has to be removed. Have your system pressurized with nitrogen and find the leak first. Good Luck from an HVAC mechanic.

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Tue, 06/22/2010 - 11:33

R134A is used in Canada and does not leak out past the seals like the old R12....... R12 IS BANNED IN CANADA. so something is wrong with the old stuff........

Submitted by sodium@captain… on Tue, 06/22/2010 - 11:06

Most "canned air" that is used for dusting and computer cleaning is actually R154a refrigerant. It is technically not permitted for air conditioning use since it is technically flammable but I challenge you to make it burn. It may actually be that RB12 stuff mentioned above.

In any case, a mechanical master has told me that R154a is a good replacement for R12. I don't know that I would put it in the split system on your home but for something like this, a classic vehicle, it should work fine and be safe.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 06/22/2010 - 10:16

DOug I have used it for years--At one time I could get a product named RB12 or something like that and it was 19.5% HFC. Alas it is no more but the freeze 12 acts like R12 and is not flamable!

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Tue, 06/22/2010 - 10:00

Edited on 2010-06-22 10:04:17

I'm not familiar with that region but you can call around, as some shops still work with the old R12 and you might get lucky in your neck of the woods. It's quite expensive, though.

Conversions to R134 are common but the results are mixed. I've had good luck by just having the system fully evacuated and R134 (with the appropriate oil) installed. Others have found the R134 doesn't cool as well.

Technically speaking the conversion requires a change to R134 compatible "barrier" hoses. Some have skipped this step and had no apparent problems.

Others here will chime in and if you speak with several a/c specialists I think you'll find several different ways to skin the cat, so to speak.

Good luck
DD

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 06/22/2010 - 09:56

First have the system drawn into a vac. and make sure there are no leaks--if not you can use a product named Freeze 12 or another sub. They work well and will be a lot less costly than a proper 134 conversion. By the way oddly enough Freeze 12 will be almost the exact price of 134. Good luck.