C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

A/C Issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 12, 2006 | 08:56 AM
  #1  
birdsmith's Avatar
birdsmith
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
Default A/C Issues

Could some of you folks out there who have experimented with different AC refrigerants possibly relate some of your experiences with these products? I've seen some of these products online ("Freeze 12"is one that comes to mind); at present my Vette has an empty system. Awhile back it exploded a hi-pressure AC hose so I replaced that along with the (clogged) POA valve and orifice tube but if I want to charge with 134 I'll have to replace the drier. According to the claims of 'Freeze 12' it's compatible with R-12 so I should be able to just recharge the system reusing the existing drier. Any input/experiences would be appreciated/ thanks all
Reply
Old May 12, 2006 | 09:03 AM
  #2  
kaamacat's Avatar
kaamacat
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Cumming GA
Default

birdsmith.......I believe you are correct. I've had some from Aspen (got at NAPA) shown as FR-12/R416A......but you will need an adapter for the screw-on tap threads in center-can-top to hook up to a refrigerant regulator set (red/yellow/blue gauges) if you use them.

If you switch for some reason, make sure you have the system fully evacuated because the base oils in the two products (R12 vs 134) are very different. (again, if you end up going that route)

good luck......... BobR
Reply
Old May 12, 2006 | 09:07 AM
  #3  
kevinator80's Avatar
kevinator80
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Default

I have not had good luck converting old systems to 134 and will not do another one unless everything is changed (hoses, dryer, comp. etc.). My biggest problems were the higher pressure that 134 runs would eventually cause the old hoses to leak and the clutch on the compressor would break the thin metal spring strips that are in the center. On one of my tractors the hub (with the strips) would not last 3 months with 134. I switched to freeze 12 and all my problems went away. The vettes that I have repaired the ac on have all been freeze 12 and worked fine. I would always change the dryer and orafice tube though.
Reply
Old May 12, 2006 | 12:30 PM
  #4  
birdsmith's Avatar
birdsmith
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
Default Mucho Thanko

Thanks so much kevinator....I was looking for a real person with real experience; I have a hard time believing all those phoney testimonials that these guys run in their ads. It looks like I'm gonna go the freeze 12 route...
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To A/C Issues





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:25 PM.

story-0
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-5
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE