SeanR

Going to start this debate and I'm sure it is going to be about as fun as the oil/torque/coolant threads.

We are running out of a steady supply of R-12. I typically stock up over the winter when no one is looking and I guess that my stock of 60lb and two cases of cans was not enough. It's only May. Normally I can grab a few things of it from guys down South and that has not been the case. One would think with the porous southern border we could get more than terrorists and illegals but I must not have the proper connections.

Our Northern friends are going to R-12a as 134a seems to be out the door. Now don't go all Canuk on us here ImooOo/69. What are you guys using and what is everyone planning on converting too. Fvcking EPA down here has screwed us for years and now we can't even get the good **** from Mexico. Looking to see what everyone is going to and if this helps trend the future, so be it.

Dennis Burford

My 86 was converted to 134a before I purchased it and it ran well (cold!) for four years until "something" happened 1.5 years ago and all my freon leaked out. I'm hoping to get the A/C running again this summer so interested to hear what folks think.

Lizard928

Up here in the cold white north, for the 1 month of the year we could use a little AC

When I do an AC service I use R12a. It doesn't permeate the flexible hoses like R134a. It doesn't need 3 college degrees to buy, cools just as well or better than R12, and runs with lower system pressures than R134a.

Now R12a is a hydrocarbon based refrigerant yes. But it's auto ignition temp (nearly 1600F), is equal to or higher than R134a (which WILL flash/burn). So if you are worries about a fire under your hood just eliminate any ignition point under your hood. Meaning replace your 30 year old ignition leads! And you will be fine.
Keep in mind that our heads will melt at around 1600F as well. So if it auto ignites, you have already messed something up!

SeanR

Thanks Colin, looking in to that as a replacement. Odd that it is not available down here in the very lower 48 (Texas) that I can find. Please tell me that is not the same as that crap Freeze 12.

joejoe

Sean, I am down to 30 lb r12 and a few cans. I have tried autofrost with very good results, however it is nla also. Bought a product called 'enviro-safe' but have not tried it yet. A six oz. can is equivelant to 18oz r-12. Have not checked flea bay lately, but seems prices were getting high a few month ago.

soontobered84

Well Damn Sean! I was gonna hit you up for some R12 after I find and fix all my A/C leaks in the '89 and the Stepson.

otisp

I have used R12a before, and had no problems. It is a hydrocarbon blend, I think mostly propane/butane. As far as I am aware it is fully compatible with R12 systems so that's a big plus, and it is more efficient than 134 I believe. Fairly cheap up here and easy to use.

Thing is, there must be some ignition risk, right? I had a fuel line fire in my 928 last fall around the 14-pin connector area, and it melted through one of the AC hoses. Wonder what that would have been like if it had been R12a instead of R12?

SeanR

I'm getting low buddy so if you have any connections, hook a brotha up.

SeanR

I figured that the 12a was the same or close to the same as Freeze 12, which will blow up with a leak and spark. Should be an interesting conversation.

dprantl

The replacement for R134a may continue to be delayed, forcing the continued production of R134a. 30lb R134a cylinders are still readily available and under $100.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

JHowell37

How much are you willing to pay for R12?

WallyP

R-134a in 12 oz cans is now $8 at Big Lots...

Don Carter

Sean,

I think Freeze12 is mostly 134a with some additives to make it compatible with the oils used with R12. I've never had much luck with it. We've got a local guy with an R12 stash I'll be hitting up soon, hope he comes through....

Bigfoot928

Freeze12 is outta biz.... no more stock unless you stocked up.... glws...

Tony320

I just bought Griffith's r134 conversion kit.... guess I better stock up on that the next time i go to the store.