A/C Alternatives - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#16 05-08-2007, 12:33 PM

As long as R-12 is still readily available, it's a no-brainer I'll just stick with R-12.

DeliveryValve · #17 05-08-2007, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Sean Watts

I might be doing the same soon. I noticed you changed the hose as well, was the old one bad or was that recommended for Freeze-12 conversions?

No, The Parallel Condensor that I purchased from ackits.com is a universal type. Because of the position the stock hoses will not reach the condensor. So I had them made and they were probably 5 inches longer longer then the original. Also the fittings are smaller on the original condensor. The old one is a number 10, the new fitting needs a number 8.

You can use the existing hoses for Freeze-12. But I would definitely recommend changing out the condensor if you are going to use anything other then R12.

Mark DiSilvestro · #18 08-08-2007, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliveryValve

No, The Parallel Condensor that I purchased from ackits.com is a universal type. Because of the position the stock hoses will not reach the condensor. So I had them made and they were probably 5 inches longer longer then the original. Also the fittings are smaller on the original condensor. The old one is a number 10, the new fitting needs a number 8.

You can use the existing hoses for Freeze-12. But I would definitely recommend changing out the condensor if you are going to use anything other then R12.

The AC actually still works with R12 on my '81 240D, but I'm considering reviving the AC on my '82 240D, which hasn't worked since the PO's teenager wrecked the condenser during a fender-bender. I have a new, sealed, receiver/drier and the R4 compressor still turns easily and smoothly. Since my condenser is bad anyway, and R12 is practically unavailible in my area, I'm considering an R134a conversion.
What was the cost of your condenser and hoses? Do you have the model or part number of the parallel-flow condenser you used? Or at least the size of your new condenser? Thanks.

Happy Motoring, Mark

tobybul · #19 08-08-2007, 07:04 PM

http://www.duracool.com/

I use Duracool on the 84D with very good results. All I did was run a vacuum pump on the system (don't know if it was necessary) just to make sure it will hold. According to Duracool, its properties is very similar to and cools slightly better than R12. Per the distributor I got it from in Detroit, BMWs use Duracool. They are only $8.50/can. I have had it in the car since June and has been working great.

They are also a lower pressure system unlike R134 (compare their press/temp chart).

Pep Boys sells R12 ($34/6oz) & Freeze 12 ($13.99). Freeze 12 fitting is non-standard and they don't sell the charging hose- just the cans. R12 requires license and specific charging equipment/hose. Duracool charging kit are same as R134.

From the Duracool Site:

VERY SIMPLE INSTALL!
Simple economical conversions of high/low screw on fittings.
Compatible with mineral & synthetic oils including Pag & Ester - No Oil Change Is Required!
No special equipment is required for installation. Use your CFC-12 or R-134a equipment and tools
Requires only 40% of charge by weight of R-134a and 35% of CFC-12

NON CORROSIVE - WON'T HARM AIR CONDITIONING COMPONENTS:

Millions of vehicles have been converted to hydrocarbon refrigerants to date word wide.
System head pressures greatly reduced from R-134a systems - similar to CFC-12 systems

MUCH COOLER & MORE EFFICIENT! VERY SIMPLE INSTALL!

Cools extremely better than R-134a - Cools marginally better than CFC-12
Up to 35% more efficient than R-134a - Moderately more efficient than CFC-12