questions about duracool/those who use it - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

WANT '71 280SEL · #1 08-15-2003, 09:47 PM

I have heard all the arguments about it, but it is pretty much my only option. (don't ask). What is the chemical formula/name for it? Does anyone else have it other than duracoolusa.com? I am going to have a relative of mine vacuum all my existing r-12 out, don't know what I am going to do with it though. It would only be a little anyways. My car takes 2.2 pounds of r-12, would it take the same amount for duracool? Since I will be taking all the other stuff out should I add oil even though duracool says it has some kind of protectant?
Thanks
David

P.S.
What kind of results do you personally have with the product? Very close to original? Please I don't want this to be like many other a/c conversion threads with all the arguing; just your experience please.

#2 08-15-2003, 10:42 PM

duracool is pure propane. You still need the correct amount of oil in your system. Also if you already have r12 I don't see why you would want to remove it and use duracool.
As for as does it work I have had very good results with it. Both my cars had 134 when I got them and they did not cool very well in the FL summer heat and the compressor (York) sounded like it was going to thrash itself to death in the 240. I got started with the duracool in the spring of 02 when I fixed the air on a 64 Ford T-Bird. It also had a York compressor and the low pressures of the Duracool as well as the ICE COLD air convinced me to remove the 134 from the 240 and refill it with duracool. Was so impressed with the results in the 240 that I did the 300d as well. R12 would have been even better but last year it was 3x more than this years price in Florida and I did not want to do all the work of flushing and removing parts on the cars. Duracool will work with any oil so that was one less thing to worry about.
You don't measure by weight you measure by pressure. With duracool I get my best results with a low side of 28-34lbs @ 1500 rpm.

WANT '71 280SEL · #3 08-15-2003, 10:53 PM

So I could just go buy propane and that would be duracool? I find this intriguing because I was on their site and they talked about how flammable the other stuff is but duracool isn't.
Thanks
David

jbaj007 · #4 08-15-2003, 10:59 PM

Duracool is propane and iso-butane. Approx. 55/45% mixture I've heard. Molecular weight would tell you to use ~ 35-40% of R12 capacity.

#5 08-16-2003, 07:39 AM

If you go to duracools site and read the FAQ section and the MSDS sheets all the info is there. It is actually a blend of 3 gasses...
methylethylmethane 2-methylpropane dimethylmethane
Grill gas is not the same thing. Flash point on grill gas is less than 1/2 the flash point of duracool. Each can of duracool has 6oz of gas and is close to 1lb of r12 or 14oz of 134 but you still need to fill using pressure and vent temps to get good results.
Also like I said before if your car has r12 in it now then you are better off keeping it that way. r12 is under $18.00/pound and you only need around 2.7 pounds for a full charge.

WANT '71 280SEL · #6 08-16-2003, 05:02 PM

My car takes 2.2 pounds of r-12. I only have a few ounces left anyways. True, I can get r-12 for $15 a can. Then I would need someone with a license. A relative of mine went over it with a wand thing and we found a little by the oil cooler but can't really find a solid location where it is leaking from. The condenser, evaporator, and compressor are for sure good as we paid particular attention to those. So the car is ever so slightly leaking and I want something that I can just top the stuff off. I am kind of afraid that it may leak and get sucked into the intake like I read earlier though. I am sure that would not be a problem that I really have to look out for considering the chances. What do you think?
Thanks
David

jobah · #7 08-16-2003, 10:48 PM

I usually do not respond to a/c fluid questions, as every one has an opinion.

I have a certain background in this area (ME degree with a focus on thermal cycles, a 609 and countless experience with refrigeration cycles).

For fun, I have used R-12, R-134, R-406 and duracool. My 190 currently uses duracool and it is quite good. I am pleased with the results and I like the lower high side pressures.

I would suggest that you try it.

WANT '71 280SEL · #8 08-17-2003, 11:22 AM

Where did you get your duracool from? Did you get it from them on their website?
Thanks
David

Mercedes Man · #9 08-17-2003, 01:37 PM

When I had R134a in my 300SD, the compressor must have taken at least 50 hp, making my car accelerate really slow. Duracool does not put a big drag on the engine like R134a, and it barely feels like the compressor is on.

In my 1989 Pontaic Grand Prix, I replaced the R12 with Duracool because I did not want to flush the mineral oil to convert to R134a. Not a problem since I converted it to Duracool in May 2003.

I get my Duracool from Charles Fox, duracooltn@comcast.net

Just drop him an e-mail.

jobah · #10 08-17-2003, 02:00 PM

I get mine from duracoolusa.

Try www.duracoolusa.com

Great service and good guy.

#11 08-18-2003, 09:50 AM

Be warned that Duracool or any other flammable refrigerant is illegal in 18 states plus the District of Columbia.

One would be wise to consider this "snake oil" and stay away.

Good luck,

Mordecai · #12 08-18-2003, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rebootit
better off keeping it that way. r12 is under $18.00/pound .

Maybe where you are. I was quoted over $50.00 a pound in California.

M.

gsxr · #13 08-18-2003, 10:59 AM

Yeah, local AC shops will screw you with $50/lb rates, but nobody has to pay that if they know where to look. You can get R-12 on eBay for more like $20/lb, in cans or tanks. I still recommend staying with R-12 if possible. Duracool won't work well at high ambient temps (Arizona, Florida, Texas, central CA, and anywhere else it gets over 100F). It does beat R-134a though. Remember tha Duracool is ILLEGAL to use in motor vehicles in about a dozen states. Personally I don't like the fact that their website has very, very vague & sparse technical information, especially when compared to the Autofrost site. I think I'd rather use their product (Cooltop, GHG-X8) instead of Duracool but that's just my opinion.