ROG100

R12 is certainly not banned in the USA and is readily available if you have the correct credentials.
Small amounts - 3 or 4 cans - is a fairly simple sale and all you need is a 609 cert. Takes 15 mins to get it on line.
We stock and sell R12 by the can for $38.
I am sure the laws in CA are different but I do not live there.

Wisconsin Joe

R-12 as a refrigerant isn't all that bad. Keep in mind that even R134 has to be recovered, not just vented into the atmosphere, at least by licensed shops.

The big problem with R12 is that it was used as a PROPELLANT in aerosol cans. So everyone spraying a pressurized can of 'whatever' was venting R12 to the atmosphere. THAT is where all the damage came from.
Personally, I believe that if they had banned it as a propellant, and continued to allow it as a refrigerant (with proper recovery systems in place) then the problem would have been solved.

If it's not vented, it doesn't do damage. If the shop charges the A/C properly, they don't vent it.

docmirror

When I spoke to several AC shops about recovering my R-134, they all declined. One said they won't do it because it will likely contaminate their recovery tank, thus making it useless for them to use on other cars. All I've ever seen is disbursed to air, although I don't see it done with the customer standing around.

Speedtoys

I seem to vent about 1/4 can per year of R12.

#Breakinthelaw

As long as I can still get cans, ill stay R12.

Im considering Gregs AC upgrade system..then may may do R134.

SeanR

That's because everyone grabs a can of that R-134a with sealant from Vatozone and shoves it in the car. I wouldn't do it either.

Speedtoys

If youre still there in June, I could stop down to see you.


And maybe ship a can home..hahaha.

SwedeInSiam

Maybe take one as carry-on luggage

Not sure if I'm home or back to work in June. Depend on schedule of my ship.

Tony

25 bucks/can Via Facebook market place...I had looked on CL with no luck then saw a suggestion to look on FB...

hacker-pschorr

So what's 1/2 a tank worth? Local guy has one for sale, one of the large ones that goes in the machine.

SeanR

Prices are all over the place. The last 2 virgin 30lb containers I bought I paid $300 each. A year later everyone seems to think $800-$1000 per 30lbs.

Fox_

I bought 28 ounces four months ago and felt robbed.

19psi

You need to be careful with the common 30# kegs. Most of the R12 tanks you find today are so old, they have standard valves instead of a one way check valve. Those old tanks could be refilled with contaminated/burnt 12 or a mixture of who knows what. If the tank has a green valve, you're probably ok...if it has a black valve and you don't know the guy selling it, I'd pass on buying it.

Tony

good to know 👍

hacker-pschorr

Good points for everyone to know, this guy is reputable so I'm not concerned about it.