My 84' Blowin' Hot Air..What's your opinion on the best R-12 Replacement?
Freeze 12, Autofrost?
Need help.

Thanx

 

Anything with HFC-134a and SYNTHETIC compressor oil in it!

 

Are you talking about removing your R-12 system and upgrading it to the HFC-134 system? Because the two systems are totally incompatible.

 

Yes, I need to convert over to something other than R12 which is obsolete...

 

I personally think the R-12 is colder than the new system. My car has the R-12 and the only time I will ever change is when freon becomes obsolete and is no longer available. Just one person's opinion.

 

Well, ideally, I would stick with the CFC-12 (R12) , and it is still available. Really , there is no such thing as a "drop in" refrigerant to replace R12, the compressor usually has to be sped up at least as well. You could probably recover the Refrigerant -12 from the system,(leak check first, and note leaks to be fixed later), try to drain any oil if possible from the system,pull a vacuum, and put in the 134a, and synthetic compressor oil mixture, however, you will lose alot of capacity, because 134a does not absorb as much heat as R12 does. Also, ideally, the compressor speed should be increased. The system pressures in R134a are almost the same as R12, not identical, but very close, so in that respect its ok, so there is not a pressure issue with the components. I would stick with the R12, just keep the system tight (no leaks), make sure you have the right amnount of refrigerant in the system, the condenser is clean, the belt is good and at the right tension, the fan is running okay, and you should have no problem!PS I don't know of the compatability of charging fittings, if theres an adapter available, or what. I'm speaking on behalf of my HVAC experience with high tonnage equipment, not automotive A/C, but the principles are the same, therefore I'm not sure of the fittings to connect to the system!

 

i would go with r12 unless you can not get it where you are at 134 sux and is about 10-15 degrees hotter at duct temp.. a good r12 system will give you a 35-38 degree duct temp r134 will only get you about 45-50 your choice but in my opinion r12 is way superior and worth teh added cost

 

You can still get it,but you're gonna pay dearly! They only phased out the manufacturing of new R12, or any CFC's (chloro flouro carbons) for that matter, (R12, R11, R500, R502, etc, etc) I think you can buy R134a at an auto store, but to purchase any CFC's you need what is known as a CFC Certification license, which allows you to purchase the refrigerant, which mechanics must possess to do work on the system, and to recover, and purchase, and add R12 to a system. Next on the chopping block is R22 (HCFC-22) which is set to stop manufacture by 2015 or 2020.

 

Forgot to add that whats availible of CFC's is the existing amount, whats in circulation. Whats out there is recycled refrigerant (recycled means it is free of any oil, and cleaned up of any contaminants, and it is dry)

 

Stay with the R-12 if you can. It's not "obsolete" in the sense that it is old technology. It is available at any good facility that does car A/C repair.

R-134a does not produce as cool a temp at the outlets as R-12. R-12 is pricey, but the Vette system does not really use a lot of R-12 and it can be recovered and filtered.

you'll probably find that a properly done conversion to R-134a will cost as much as getting your R-12 system working again.

 

 

I converted my 84 over to R134 and was not happy with the results. I then changed it back to R12 and was pleased.

So, find out what your problem is, repair it, and stick with the R12.

 

Anyone tried Freeze-12? It's claim is that it's 100% compatible with R12, is EPA approved, is MUCH cheaper, is non-flammable (which some replacements are not), and you use less to achieve the same results.

Almost sounds too good to be true. I plan to try it in my 86 when all its other issues are solved and I can concentrate on the A/C leak.
[RICHR]

 

I'm asking about Freeze 12 or Autofrost.Anyone use these as a conversion??

 

i think your asking for problems.. as an ex ac tech ect in teh garage buisness we would not touch your car after you used these so called replacement refridgerants.. they are dangerous and not worth a hoot. at least in this case its not flammable.. don't be cheap fix it right...

 

Money is not an issue...I don't have a liscense...R-12 Is so damned expensive..thought there might be an alternative...

 

I swapped out last summer with freeze 12. It performs, as advertised, and it is definately colder than 134a.

 

Freeze 12 works great. I've used it in several vehicles both as an complete R-12 replacement, as well as to top off an R-12 filled system....No Problems! If you have trouble finding it locally, it's available on Ebay.

 

You can get better temps out of 134 by slightly over charging the system ( its usually good for another 5 degrees)

 

Is there such a thing as...
a refrigerant that is a hydrocarbon?,
does not contain flourine or chlorine.
Name is 'envirosafe', or something like that.
Could be BS.