Help for an R-12 system
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake VA
Help for an R-12 system
Wondering if I could get some good advice on this as to what I should do to an old r-12 system, no rear A/C equiped, that is low on charge. Just add R-12 or consider retrofitting. I can get my hands on some R-12, or switch to R-134a or another compatible (non-flammbable) refrigerant. Is it normally safe to add UV dye? The cooling system (glycol) UV dye works awesome ($6.99 AutoZone). Just curious. The ambient temperature around here is begining to get around 91 F.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 558
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From: North Alabama
Use the right tool for the job.
Propane is not a refrigerant. There must be a leak or we wouldn't be replacing refrigerant. Under the hood, we have temperatures high enough to cause spontaneous combustion, spark, gasoline, flammable gas (peropane), and a big fan pumping air into the situation. When that goes off, you won't have to worry about getting out in time.
Seriously, you wouldn't add diesel to a gasoline engine because they are both fuels. You need to use the proper refrigerant for your system, and in the proper amounts.
Propane is not a refrigerant. There must be a leak or we wouldn't be replacing refrigerant. Under the hood, we have temperatures high enough to cause spontaneous combustion, spark, gasoline, flammable gas (peropane), and a big fan pumping air into the situation. When that goes off, you won't have to worry about getting out in time.
Seriously, you wouldn't add diesel to a gasoline engine because they are both fuels. You need to use the proper refrigerant for your system, and in the proper amounts.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
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From: "Islander"
Here in the S.F. bay area I got a quote for R-12 at $40 a pound.
The 93 Peterbuilt is starting to have the compressor cut out due to low refrigerant gas. A 13 year slow leak?
.....=o&o>.....
The 93 Peterbuilt is starting to have the compressor cut out due to low refrigerant gas. A 13 year slow leak?
.....=o&o>.....
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 271
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From: Chesapeake VA
Ebay has some good prices on R-12. Only place I can find a small can of R-12 without buying in bulk. But it is apparent that I have a leak. Anyone have experience with UV dye? I wish I had a bottle of nitrogen I could fill it up with. Looks like a can of R-12 on Ebay averages $15. There is also a problem with the system going in and out in park. When in drive the transmission shifts erratically too.
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Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Propane is not a legal refrigerant.
Use Freezone if you can get it, have someone buy and remove your old R-12, and switch. Or use Freeze-12, but you will have to make sure your accumulator is compatible (if it has ever been replaced, then it is). Add PAG or POE ester type oils when useing Freeze 12
Use Freezone if you can get it, have someone buy and remove your old R-12, and switch. Or use Freeze-12, but you will have to make sure your accumulator is compatible (if it has ever been replaced, then it is). Add PAG or POE ester type oils when useing Freeze 12
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
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From: Kiev, Ukraine
Kan! R-12 newer been used in the USSR, 5-10 years ago it was imported, but now it is so difficult to find it. I lnow, that dealers usually replace old compressors with germans and use other refrigerants, but price is hight - from $150 to $500. As result my AC was sold, and now I have no problem!
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake VA
Not as cheap as I thought. Go to http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=refrigerant+12&category0 ==
My van has the original accumulator. I want to try to avoid $100 - $200 for a proper retro fit. I found some Free Zone also. Not sure about it yet http://cgi.ebay.com/FREEZONE-FREE-ZO...ayphotohosting
My van has the original accumulator. I want to try to avoid $100 - $200 for a proper retro fit. I found some Free Zone also. Not sure about it yet http://cgi.ebay.com/FREEZONE-FREE-ZO...ayphotohosting
Last edited by Lance1601; May 27, 2006 at 03:39 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 558
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From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by ken1mod
Propane is a refrigerant, R-290.
Ken
Ken
Thanks much for that R-290 number. That was the key. I researched this (mostly because I know that you know your stuff) and though it took a while, I did find information that propane has been used used as a refrigerant.
I'll send the rest in a PM because it is not pertinent to this thread.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
Would that be "vent to atmosphere"? Who would know when my 38 year old R-12 system leaked out the R-12? Pick a number between 2 and 38 years.
.....=o&o>.....
.....=o&o>.....
Last edited by "Beemer Nut"; May 27, 2006 at 10:19 PM.