Originally Posted by TimFreeh

Uh... The EPA banned the production of R12, since they banned it I'm guessing they would HAVE to offer people that were running R12 an "alternative refrigerant" What else could they do? Tell everybody that has an R12 system that they can't repair it? Not likely IMHO.

I don't know of any cars (first or second hand) that have ever suffered a hydrocarbon based refrigerant fire/meltdown while the A/C was in operation. I'd be a lot more concerned about having an A/C condenser full of propane sitting right behind my bumper if I was in an accident. The condensers in a modern cars are paper thin and in virtually every moderate to severe front end collision the A/C condenser will end up getting punctured. If there is an ignition source while your Duracool is leaking you are going to be involved in a fire, and you can start a pretty good fire with a pound of propane. Also keep in mind this hazard is not yours alone, the passengers in your car and other cars/people that are involved in the accident could also be seriously effected if your car goes up like a roman candle.

Is it really worth the risk to save $50 on a refrigerant charge?