If I change to ES12 or Duracool, will I be able to find an auto ac shop who will vacuum out my system before I put in the new gas? I thought that most shops will not want to contaminate their vacuum machines.

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

IMHO, the only real solution is to find a good shop and have the R-12 system completely repaired, especially in AZ. I tried R-134a in mine and was not happy with the performance above about 90F. I wouldn't play around with "alternative" stuff unless you find a shop that is willing to service it.

How will their machines be contaminated by what you are going to put in your system?

I have not had this problem with Envirosafe or Duracool. I've been using these for two years and here in Phoenix where we see 120* summers, my dash vents produce 48* air at good fuel economy on both my 240D and my 300D. In fact I have yet to notice a drop in fuel economy with the AC running at max since I converted! This was not the case using R134A. My fuel economy would drop about 3 to 4 MPG with R134!

I really recommend both of these since no special licenses or permits are required because neither Envirosafe or Duracool are toxic, poisonous or damaging to the environment! Both are totally and fully compatible with refrigerant oils from both R134 and R12, but the oil for R12 works better in my opinion and this is still easy to get and use.

Both Duracool and Envirosafe are an easy to use friendly system to service yourself and leaks are easy to find with a simple ultraviolet light. A guage system used to install and charge with R134 will fit both Envirosafe and Duracool and the same fittings for R134A are required, so there is no reason for obsolete parts!

It may take a little longer, but the benefits of NOT using R134A and going with Duracool or Envirosafe are well worth the effort and when I turn on my AC in my 240D, there is NOT a big power drop with the system running at maximum!

Just curious, have you found someone who will service your system?

I service my system myself, but if I wanted to go get it serviced I would go to Penske Truck services since a lot of truckers use Duracool. I haven't had any problems asking for service here in Phoenix, but this is AC country!

Duracool has service centers in most every state and I would go to their website and ask which one is closest to you.

OK, I was just wondering. I'll stick to R-12, my indy can handle it and there is no downside to using the correct refrigerant for the system.