Are you saying that the state of AZ has unilaterally made the use of R-12 illegal? That sounds unusual, to say the least. At least where I live, it is perfectly legal and easy to buy and have serviced, so I have no reason to use anything else. If obtaining R-12 was a problem, I would have to look into alternatives.

I can't say Arizona has made the use of R12 illegal all the way around. you can still get it for stationary systems, like building AC systems. What I'm being told is that use of R12 in mobile systems is "discouraged" to the point of an increase in license fees and refrigerant costs. You have to keep logs of how much you purchased and where it went and those who use it in mobile systems, such as a Benz, and have logs of each mobile system as to where it went, will be charged a higher "access" fee to get more and your licensing requirements and costs go up dramatically!

It's called price gouging it right out of the market! Thanks you idiot LIBERALS!

This makes the cost uneconomical to use R12 and squeezes out the competition for R134A. ES 12A for some reason is not as affected and I think this was due to the shear amounts of protests over the exclusive use of R134A and how many would drive out of state taking their dollars with them. I know I sure would!

Fortunately ES12A works really well and is plentiful, but not available everywhere. I have to order mine over the internet!

I service my system my self because if you want the job done right, do it yourself!

...so yeah, A/C still blowing cold...

3 days down, no leaks.

13 days down, still ice cold.

Found a bit of UV leak dye on the underside of the compressor/hardline connection, looks to have a leak in the gasket. However I wiped that away and have had no signs of it since, maybe the stop leak in the freon took care of it.

I'm well aware that my a/c system is not 100% healthy or done the right way, but we'll see how long it lasts as is. I've accepted the fact that I'll need to rebuild a good portion of the system for long term results.

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That works. You'd be suprised at how much a compressor costs. If you get to the point where you need one, AAPAK in Mesa is where I would go. I'm pleasantly suprised at my fuel economy with the AC running. 30 MPG!

30 really? I get 25 with no A/C... That's also 50/50 driving and 70-75mph on the highway.

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http://www.epa.gov/EPA-AIR/2000/December/Day-18/a32150.htm

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/hc12alng.html

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Tim Irwin
1983 300D
1994 Miata R Package
unnamed family car