PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - W123 R134a - how to discharge A/C system?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knightrider966 (Post 1775111)

If something breaks, then discharging at home is "accidental". The reason to take it to a refrigerant recovery specialist is because refrigerants are poisonous and the newer types like R134A can cause heart arrythmia and mycardial infarction just by breathing it, long words for sudden death!:eek: The only one I would discharge myself without regret is Envirosafe since this is an environmentally friendly carbon based refrigerant. Envirosafe can be bought on the web and shipped directly to you. It smells like Pine Tar!:D

Envirosafe uses less energy to cool down and your performance and fuel economy will go up too!:D

Envirosafe is non-toxic and non-caustic.:)

134A, or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane only will cause health problems if it is inhaled in an incredibly high concentration. The MSDS doesn't even specify the LC50 (lethal concentration in 50% of subjects). You're more likely to suffocate from the lack of oxygen than be harmed by the effects of the gas itself.

The two most hazardous things you have to think about when venting the gas is suffocation and frostbite. The rapid decompression of R134A will cause it to become very cold (same principle that makes the A/C work). If this spray gets on your skin, it could very well cause frostbite. And also make sure you're not sticking your head down into the engine compartment when testing/venting either.

134A is not flammable, but will release toxic compounds if heated (as stated earlier).

MSDS link for R134A 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane

MSDS link for R12 dichlorodifluoromethane