So now that it is summer in Texas and is going to be hot (was 98 today) I will be fixing my AC system. It is currently in the AC shop having it looked over and so far there is no bad news, appears everything is running as it should, except for a leak in the system which they have repaired at the receiver drier.

Now it is time to refill the coolant. It is completely empty as of now and awaiting new coolant. The freon is going to run $250-$300 to fill it up, should I go ahead with this or consider a different coolant?

Also does anyone know any shops in the Austin/San Antonio relm that may be able to get the freon cheaper?

As always you input is greatly appreciated.

__________________
1980 300D European
"The Red Fox"
200,000 miles

2003 Chevrolet Silverado

609 Certification

You should not go with a conversion to R134A I made the mistake of doing this and will be going back to R12 as soon as I have time.

Next you need to find a reputable mechanic or by the tools at a pawn shop and do it your self (people here will be glad to help you)

The quote you were givin was several times more than the actual cost to fill your car with R12.

__________________
1984 300D / The only Benz I have

Completed weekend projects

1. R/R front crankshaft seal
2. R/R nearly the whole vacuum system
3. Converted to WVO www.greasemachine.com
4. Upgraded to electric power locks
5. Upgraded and rewired stereo/amp/speakers
6. Installed 2.88 differential

Brabus is correct.... amazing that they would quote you that high...Run from that shop....
Since you are almost in San Antonio... Call Tray at Carlisle Auto Air and get a recommendation...

I don't know how they ' fixed the leak ' at the Receiver/Dryer... but the R/Dryer will need to be replaced... minutes before you button up the system ready to evacuate the moisture...
Again, Run from that shop...

I would NOT go back to a shop that charges $250 for $40 worth of REFRIGERANT (coolant is what you put in your radiator.)

I just bought 30 pounds of R12 for $425. That is what that shop pays for it now. DON'T patronize such crooks and don't convert. R134 is going up in price drastically this year so it is almost as much as R12.

Good luck,

I got my cetificate to buy and work on auto air cond. on the internet for 20.00 you have to take a 50 question test, but I buy it where I live for 19.00 a can 14oz. and a 30 lb cylinder is 247.00. Stay with R12 I tried R134 last summer and it does not cool very good the condensor does not have enough surface area center vent temp with r134 was about 58 on a 95 degree day.

If you are someone who can fill the system yourself, or have a "friend" that can do it. There is a R12 replacement, it goes by different names,(duracool),(hc12). You cannot get it here, you have to order it from Canada . I have it in my 300d, works GREAT! It is cold TOO!! Oh and it is only $10.00 a can

Those aren't R12 replacements..they are blends that have a LOT of issues themselves...and not good ones..

There is no R12 replacement...nothing works as well.

Do a search...been discussed many times by people far more knowledgible than me on the subject.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Well, we have been using it on MANY cars for over 5years!! I have NEVER had any problems what so ever! It is a GREAT replacement for R12, AND 134A. It is also colder, and takes less than R12. I don't know why anyone would have problems with it. I have never heard anything bad about it. The only concern I have EVER heard, it if you get into an accident, the leaking gas "COULD" start a fire, but it would have to be one HE!! of a hot fire to ingnite!

P.S. The ONLY reason we cannot get it here, is that Dupont, is the producer of 134A, and they have lobbied to have Hc12 BANNED.

Rleo, Leathermang, adn LarryBible woudl agrue otherwise.....head to head nothing matches R12.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

No hard feelings but, I tell you what, I will let you pay that much for R12. It may be better for you, put the price and performace is better for me. I will agree to disagree!

To begin with Duracool IS available in the US, thus it is NOT "banned" to make people such as Dupont happy.

Secondly it is ILLEGAL in 18 states and the District of Columbia for filling of mobile air conditioning systems. I have posted a lengthy explanation AT LEAST two dozen times giving the reasons not to use such junk refrigerants. If you are interested in my response, do a search, if not, so be it.

R12 is LEGAL and the correct refrigerant for a system originally filled with it. It circulates the oil properly for long compressor life and IT IS SAFE! It also is becoming more affordable all the time since the demand is decreasing.

It's a free country so you can use what you like. Be advised, however, if you are NOT using the correct fittings that are dedicated for the use of the stuff, you are violating Federal Law.

Have a great day,

lakerat,

I also have my 609 and live not too awful far from Denison. Where do you get R12 for $247 per 30 pound jug? I am headed through Denison June 4 and would like to pick up a jug.

Thanks and have a great day,

Thanks for the information, I did read most of the information posted. Seems there are equal agruements. I did NOT know that the state of Texas opposes the use of such refrigerants. Howerver, eventhough duracool, and HC 12 are simular if not almost identical, I don't use duracool anymore. I will not replace 134 systems with HC 12, that is just stupid. But having said that, when it comes to older cars that used R-12, I will do what is required to do it right. The drier is replaced, and the system put on a vaccum. Most if not all the moisture is taken out before the Hc-12 is installed. On my 300d, the proper adapters are installed, and the system is labeled. I did dot my I's and cross my T's. I do believe in safety, so I do appreciate your concerns. I don't really understand the harshness I am given, with respect to the chart I have included. Perhaps you can elaborate on you direct concerns that I have not addressed. Again, thank you!

Attached Thumbnails

 

I called a different AC repair shop today and they wanted $60 per pound for the R12 and $26 for the 134, much more reasonable.

Also today I was by the dealer today getting some dash bulbs and asked one of the techs there. He said that I would be better off keeping it R12. I asked as to why and he said there were a few valves and hoses that would be replaced(this was for an empty system, everything working) but didnt mention the specific ones when switching to the R134. He said that the R134 would most likely cool just as well but advised that the system was over 20 years old and designed for the R12 not R134.

My decision based on the help from everyone in the forum, the advise from the dearler and indy shops is to keep R12 in the system. I feel that it will cool as needed and cause any problems. Yes it is a bit more expensive but R134 has gone up from $12/lbs to $26 in a year, and is climbing.

__________________
1980 300D European
"The Red Fox"
200,000 miles

2003 Chevrolet Silverado

609 Certification

mbenzgoodyear,

$60 per pound is STILL 300% markup. Would you buy groceries somewhere that marked up their products by 300%? These guys are buying it for LESS than $15 per pound. Don't put up with it.

Have a great day,