refrigerant question

[Phil]

Has anyone changed their R12 system to HOT SHOT? If you have do you know if you have to evacuate all the R12 out of the system and then add the HOT SHOT or can you add it to the R12?

[BillGrissom]

I browsed ICOR's website and didn't see the materials described. Perhaps check the MSDS. My guess is it is a hydrocarbon mixture (propane, butane, ...), similar to Duracool and Envirosafe. I used Duracool in all my cars. To stay EPA-legal, you must first convert to R-134A, then HC. Sounds absurd, but read their website about that and more silliness. I think Duracool will mix w/ R-12 fine, though most people are putting it in after R-12 is long gone (compressor change, etc). It is compatible with mineral oil, so "should work".

[tjts1]

If you're going to use HC, straight propane works just as well. Despite their claims otherwise, there's really nothing special about any of these products.

[Phil]

I knew some one who was using HOT SHOT successfully but I have lost contact with him. I work with refrigerants all the time but have never used this and I think my system is low. If I could get small quantities of R12 I would but it is just not practical or economical to get 30 pounds. I can get small cans of Hot Shot from one of my suppliers. I just don't know if I can add it or if I need to evac the system first.

[tjts1]

HC can mix with R12 or R134a, just not legally.

[fahrvergnugen]

R134 turns acidic once inside a system, therefore it would be really smart to flush that from Any system before refilling with it, or anything else.

[vstech]

Originally Posted by fahrvergnugen

R134 turns acidic once inside a system, therefore it would be really smart to flush that from Any system before refilling with it, or anything else.

I was under the impression that the PAG oil turns acidic... Not the refrigerant.