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The 79 was needing a shot of R-12, so I took it to an AC shop in Mexico, thinking they'd still have some. Well, they didn't, but they suggested replacing the existing R12 with R401A, which I wasn't previously aware of.
I did some reading on it, and it runs at the same pressure as R12, and cools similarly. It's also compatible (but can't be mixed with) with R12, so you don't have to worry about changing the compressor oil or other parts.
It did concern me a bit that the only articles I found referenced commercial and industrial equipment. Perhaps it's not approved for use in the US (or elsewhere) in passenger vehicles. Oh well, seems to work fine...
vent temp is about 50 degrees below ambient temperature
just make sure they didn't stuff propane into the A/C system.. I have heard horror stories of mexico A/C shops doing that..propane does cool well though..but..
I have been using R152A (canned air duster, keyboard duster, etc) in my R12 vehicles and I am quite happy with it...it's pressures are also close to R12..
I just charged up with R134a from a can bought at a box store. Is this not recommended for our systems? Mine is a factory system from 1974. It is blowing cold, just not sure now if I am doing damage with the wrong stuff in there.
just make sure they didn't stuff propane into the A/C system.. I have heard horror stories of mexico A/C shops doing that..propane does cool well though..but..
I have been using R152A (canned air duster, keyboard duster, etc) in my R12 vehicles and I am quite happy with it...it's pressures are also close to R12..
Yes, propane would be bad...
This is what the shop used-except he had it in 1 liter cans:
I know this is an old thread, but I was wondering if I could put R-134a in my truck without problems? It's set for r-12 but it didn't have any when I got it and I'm just now fixing it. I imagine it leaks or the R-12 would still be there. I have a fitting to put the R-134 in but I didn't want to cause problems. Some say it's not very effective as well, does anyone know of a better alternative besides R-12?
R134 is not compatible with R12 or the compressor oil. The system would need to be evacuated, change the expansion valve and drier, and probably change the oil in the compressor. Your leak will get worse, as r134 requires a higher pressure. Your o-rings are probably also need to be changed
The r401, mentioned above, can be used in an r12 system, but not mixed-any remaining r12 needs to be flushed. R401 has a very similar pressure curve to r12
Use R12A. It is a redtek product, compatible with r12 and r134 systems, non flammable, environmentally safe and compatible with the oil and not too expensive. Look into it.
Hi PapaBear, My friend is in El Centro and has a 70 Cougar that needs the AC charged I told him about your experience and he said a few guys on his base did the same thing and had great results to. One guy did his 10 years ago and it still works great.
I've got both my dentsides running R134a. The horror stories of it not being compatible with our compressor oil and parts is pure bull. I've been running one this way for over ten years and I know professional mechanics that have been mixing 12 and 134 since day one without any trouble. I was told by one mechanic that the big problem was people putting 12 over 134a in systems not designed for 12 (that was back when you could still get R12).
It is true that 134a runs a higher pressure and if you have any leaks they will get worse unless they are attended to. I changed the drier and compressor on one of mine a few years ago, filled the York compressor with it's usual oil, vacuumed and charged. Been fine ever since.
I have been thinking of trying Redtek the next time I need to do a system.
Propane is not dangerous as a refrigerant, IMO, and it works well. I ran it in my Bronco for a while just to try it out. They use it in Europe and Australia as a refrigerant.
It is illegal in US but for unfounded reasons I think. Hell, I've got a 250 gallon propane tank right outside my house and that's fine, but 2 lbs in my car a/c is going to *explode*. Go figure.
This is what the shop used-except he had it in 1 liter cans:
Heh.. 13% R152a....R152a is what I have in my 88 Ranger, my 94 topkick, and my 86 F350..I have had no problems with it and have been using it for a couple years now.. did great in the Phoenix heat.
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