Another A/C question, Canada
 

I live in Canada, where r12 is unavailable/illegal. Even if I could get it I would not use it. What are people doing in Canada to recharge thier A/C? Mine does not work, not sure what the problem is yet, but at the very least I am sure it will need to be charged.

So what should I do? Convert to R132a? I have heard it leaks out quickly. There is an R12 replacement called Duracool that is supposed to be the same as R12, in that the system would need little or no refitting. Anyone tried that?

Going with no A/C is not an option, the boss (wife) says it has to be fixed.

I have an 85 300TDT with climate control

Peter

I have to admit I run that stuff in my explorer and it works just great. I think the risk of explosion people talk about (because it's hydrocarbon based) is so small I don't worry about it. It is illeagal to use that stuff in the states but I don't care it's the least of my worries.

available in canada=redtek.ca

It was originally thought that HFC134a would quickly leak through the hoses made for CFC12. And in fact, it will leak through new hoses, but it happens that used hoses collect oil in the pores, which contain the leakage. That fact turned out to be a huge bummer for both the automakers and the AC repairmen, as it is much cheaper to convert to HFC134a than originally anticipated.

However, as you probably know, HFC134a will not work nearly as well as CFC12 without system modifications, including a more efficient condensor. If hydrocarbon-based refridgerants are legal there (I have no idea), use them. Otherwise, I'd convert it to HFC and be glad that I didn't live in Texas.

Well, I currently have R-12 in my 240D and 134a in my 300D. The R-12 does seem to work a little better, and the difference is noticeable under very hot conditions, especially while idling. However, in temperatures up to about 90-95F, the 134a works just fine. I converted the 300D to 134a about 4 years ago when the price of R-12 was very high, and I needed a new compressor anyway. I'm still using the original condenser. After 4 years and 100K+ miles, the system still works fine. I have noticed the charge gets a little low over the winter, and I usually have to add a can of 134a in the spring. I may have a small leak someplace, but the 134a is cheap and easy to find so I haven't done anything about it. If I was to do it again I would probably stick with R-12, but I certainly don't have any compelling reason to change back. I don't know what your summer temperatures are like, but 134a seems adequate for summer in Colorado. YMMV.

I don't have any experience with Duracool.

In Texas you would need the R12 but in Canada a r134 conversion without changing the Condensor should produce satisfactory results. The Dealer should be able to do the conversion ( they do it here in Texas) or you can do it.
Do a search, but don't worry about the parallel flow condensor changover.

If you do the work, Flush the system, Replace the Orings, Expansion valve, and dryer. add the oil and Freon, If the dealer does the work then they should do the same. The advantage of R134 is that any place can work on it for you. If you put in anything else you will have a hard time finding a shop to do any work on the system. They don't want to contaminate their tools.

Dave