Ockman,

The shops that tell you that it is illegal to top off an R12 system are violating the law by telling you that. It is a violation of fair trade law and should be reported to the Better Business Beurau. This is spelled out in the 609 certification training.

Everyone,

It TOTALLY amazes me that there are so many people that will go to all lengths and take so many risks instead of repairing their system and recharging with R12.

If your system is requiring recharge, that means that there is most likely a leak. In that case it typically requires some components and work that cost some money. In almost all cases, the cost of R12 at $30 per pound is a small portion of the overall system repair cost.

In many of these cases people are penny wise and pound foolish. To properly convert, the system should be completely flushed to remove the mineral oil because it will continue to outgas R12 after converted if left in the system. Then the filter drier should be changed, ester oil added, compressor rinsed with oil, and on and on. In many cases it is just simpler and cheaper to repair your leak, whatever it is, and recharge with the refrigerant that your system was designed for.

Additionally, the use of all these ALTERNATIVES is ruining a large portion of our recyclable R12.

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish, and if you insist on doing so, properly convert to R134 instead of contaminating our recyclable R12 supply and at the same taking all sorts of risks with flammable refrigerants, blends that cause eventual damage and other problems.

Just fix it, evacuate it and put the R12 back in it!

Good luck,