AC repair

[zoe60]

I got a new AC compressor and everything I need to rebuild My Festy's AC. (It leaks) I want to keep it as close to original as possible, and I can get an AC shop to fill it with R12, but it is supposed to be bad for the ozone and all that so I was wondering if anyone has filled their system with HC 12A? Supposed to work well with R12 systems. In my experience an R134 conversion just doesn't work quite right. Thanks!

[seniorgreenpants]

I have factory ac and recharged with 134a, drained as much mineral oil out as i could and refilled with ester. I then filled the system @ 80% of system capacity.

All works well, havent had any issues. What problems have you had?

[Eaglefreek]

Just put in the R12 if you have it available.

[zoe60]

I've only done it on one and it never was as cool as original. Plus they say the compressor won't last as long. HC 12a is supposed to be a direct replacement. Just flammable so it's illegal to use in a automotive system. If it gets down to it I will pay the AC shop for R12 and if you are happy with 134a then that's fine too. I'm well aware that a 134 conversion can be done, I just don't want to on mine so I am asking if anybody ha used HC 12A.

[Skrapbob]

Enviro-safe may be an option. I am using it. Found on Ebay. Cools very well

[william]

That's crazy that it's illegal because it's flammable, r1234yf is also flammable and that's what the new cars are going to there's already been a few cars catch fire from front end collisions.
I believe enviro-safe is also flammable.
Propane makes a cold system but .... flammable.

[seniorgreenpants]

Propane make a REALLY cold ac system.

[zoe60]

Propane make a REALLY cold ac system.

That's what I've always heard. That's why I am interested in hc 12a. Went ahead and ordered some. Might do some experimenting.

[Movin]

We have several oils and fuel under pressure , some from one end of the car to another. There are measurable statistics of these being part of a vehicle accident and fire. AC system fires are not even on the map..just the possibility of one based on tests and videos. There have been some deaths with home systems charged with LPG.

These blends need a lot of heat or compression to ignite. They are statistically much safer than electricity in our homes.

I beg to differ about using vacuum on the system . The only time this is completely successful is when you add to the charge in the system with a compatible blend. If the system is empty it will need the air removed before refrigerant can be added. Air will ruin top performance.

[ricko1966]

My biggest concern on flammable gasses in A/C would be an evaporator leak would fill the interior with flammable whatever. A/C should be evacuated any time the system is open, if it will hold vacuum for 20 minutes chances are you don't have any leaks and some refrigerant s when combined with air creates acid which can damage your system as well air in the system changes your pressures making the system less efficient.A vacuum pump can be easily made from an old refrigerator compressor

[Movin]

If the evaporator dumped while running ( not likely because the pressure is much less than when you shut the car off and leave ) and filled the interior with the charge you would die due to lack of oxygen unless you passed out and wrecked hard enough to blow out the windows.

That is a great idea for a vacuum pump. The Accura one I just pulled turned out to have a broken crank. Darn!!

[zoe60]

Well poop! My AC shop no longer has R 12. Looks like HC 12a it is! Should be here tomorrow. Propane power. Hope I don't explode. I understand it is a very common refrigerant in Europe so what the hell! Has a foul smell so I'll know if it leaks inside the car.

[Movin]

LOL it is a blend, you can not run a bbq with this stuff!

[bravekozak]

I bought a big huge tank of unopened R-12 on Kijiji GTA (Greater Toronto Area).
The oil mixed with a small shot of R-12 was purchased on the bay. No flammability issues. Cold as a polar bear's you know what. Don't be fooled by imitations. Use only the genuine article.

[zoe60]

I ain't scared! Odds are pretty slim of it going inside anyway. Probably come hissing out the condenser in a front end crash. Sure hope not though, It'd be the end of my ancient toy car! Seems dumb it is illegal in the US! Doesn't hurt the ozone at all and the risk of fire is evidently minimal.