Wondering who's done the R12A refrigerant in their R12 AC system?

I was talking with an acquaintance last week about his AC system that blew a line on his 82 pickup with R12 system -- he said he fixed the leak and then simply refilled the system with R12A and all is good.

I vaguely recall reading something online about R12A in the past 2yrs, but wasn't aware it was available to purchase yet. I was planning to do the R134A conversion on my truck since it's not working. Last time I called a shop about R12 they said it would be a couple hundred bucks just to charge the system. Now I'm thinking of just slapping my AC belt back on the truck and topping it off with R12A to get some AC in my life again. I dunno where my leak is at, but it worked for a while and stopped working after non-use during winter, yet the pump still turned on - figure it's a slow leak so why not just keep topping it off? Basically looking to get some AC for as little investment possible.

 

Isn't "R12A" just propane? The EPA has warned about propane sold as "R22A" http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress...257B9B0065AEC0 . Personally, I wouldn't want a flammable gas inside the passenger compartment.

PARTICULARLY if I already knew that my system was leaking!

 

just go 134a.... it works really good.... i mean it feels like ice cubes coming out of the vents on the ones i've done...... no need for anything more. just a couple seals to change out.

 

I wasnt aware of 12A. I did some searching on it and I have seen pros and cons on it and contradict each other. One thing I did see is that it is colder then 134. Glad you mentioned it. Getting AC on one of my trucks is this winters project and will look into 12A a little deeper.

 

Mines had the conversion done from R12 to R134, still cold. Some days, I spend a lot of time turning it on and off since it makes my finger tips cold. I still have a large box of R12 somewhere though.

 

well i like the fact that it's compatible with the r12 and you don't need to do anything like you have to with converting to r134a, and it's colder like the r12 was. every shop i called up about converting to 134a said it won't be nearly as efficient as the old r12...and they want a lot of money to convert. i heard a rumor that 134a would be going away at some point, so figure another alternative to r12 won't hurt to try out.

 

Seems like I too have heard of 134 going away as well. I am sure the replacement of it wont be as good either.

 

Look into 152a also. Its basically just the canned air duster used on electronics. Its suppose to be compatible with both r12 and r134 systems when used with the 134a oil.

 

My 90 4runner is also a R-12 system. I use Freeze 12 which replaces R-12 in my system. Stuff is just as cold and can be found on ebay. For your leak, you might want to find a can of R12 with a color die to see where the leak is or if its not too expensive, just have a shop replace all the A/C lines.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JOHNSENS-FREEZE-12-REFRIGERANT-12oz-can-/131590892775?hash=item1ea36dace7&vxp=mtr

 

According to the eBay listing, Freeze 12 can only be installed by an EPA certified technician.

According to the Manufacturer's FAQ http://www.technicalchemical.com/techsupport/tip-5.htm "The law requires that the existing refrigerant in the system be evacuated and unique fittings and a label be installed with any replacement refrigerant. Also, if the A/C system being converted is equipped with a High Pressure Relief Valve, a High Pressure Cutout Switch must be installed in accordance with EPA SNAP regulations."

"The EPA requires that recovery of Freeze 12 must be done with a dedicated recovery unit." In other words, once you use Freeze 12 your system is "contaminated" and no HVAC shop will touch it.

It may or may not be good stuff, but I'd hate to spend the rest of my days looking over my shoulder. R134a for me! https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...-r134a-284801/

 

??? What exactly are your referring to? "I'd hate to spend the rest of my days looking over my shoulder".

To clarify, I did not add this myself, it was done by a shop. And thanks for the information above.

 

All refrigerants are required by the epa to be handled the same way. It's also illegal to speed. Use good sense and you'll be fine.

I've used freeze 12 successfully before my system was converted. It's a good option if you still do what's necessary to stop the leak.

Since conversion, i do appreciate that anyone can service my system if necessary. And it's been trouble free, and just as cold. This is in a 4Runner with drafty soft top, in Hotlanta. Lesson: Don't get too bent about conversion.

Imho It makes a much bigger difference if you make an effort to always park in the shade. Don't let surface temps of your truck get too high and you'll feel the cooling effect much sooner. My motorcycle seat taught me this valuable habit! =)

 

Thanks for the info, good to know.

 

why make this any harder than going to office depot or staples.
Running this in my 89 4runner, works great, available everywhere.

R-152A

http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f135/h...ersion-493953/

 

if you do have a leak, and replace the seals, why not do the conversion..... it's mostly seals and cleaning the esther oil out..... and best yet, you can walk into a parts store and charge ti yourself fairly cheap. i haven't looked in a while but they used to have the conversion kits (just a bunch of seals) sitting on the shelf on the cheap.