R-12 compatible replacement!!!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

a2aa · #1 01-07-2003, 02:25 PM

HAs anyone tried this product out??? I have an r12 system that occasionally leaks.

COMMENTS EVERYONE!!!!!!!

http://www.freeze12.com/

a2aa · #2 01-07-2003, 02:26 PM

AND IT'S $6.99 A CAN!!

Glick · #3 01-07-2003, 03:14 PM

I've used autofrost with no problem and I know another well respected individual in the auto industry that has used it for several years with no problem. In fact, colder than when you upgrade the r-12 system to the new stuff.

Cap'n Carageous · #4 01-07-2003, 03:32 PM

I emailed them back in the summer. They only have distribtors in New York and California. Also you have to be a wholesaler or 609 certified to by it via the internet.

a2aa · #5 01-07-2003, 03:53 PM

MY LOCAL CARQUEST STORE CARRIES THEM. I'M IN TEXAS

bstreep · #6 01-07-2003, 04:27 PM

Which car are you looking to put it in? Do you care if you ruin what's left of your A/C? If you don't, go for it. If you do, fix the leak and either keep the R12, or go for a CORRECT conversion. You might want to call an A/C shop and see what they would say AFTER you try the product...

a2aa · #7 01-07-2003, 04:31 PM

bstreep,

do you think that people would ask questions in this forum if they don't care about their cars??

joking aside, it's going to the 560 sl

Paul Bennett · #8 01-07-2003, 05:22 PM

The only acceptable alternative is R-134a and there can be a problem retrofitting it. Molecule size of R-12 is larger than R-134a. When using a new replacement R-12 a/c hose, R-134a can leak slowly through the walls. Existing hoses have a/c oil and crud filling the holes and will almost always not leak R-134a. Again, this possible problem can occur when replacing a hose which does not have the barrier system for R-134a.

Factoid, R-134a does not cool as well as R-12. Newer systems are designed to compensate for its less efficient properties.

That said, some years back I sucessfully converted by Buick to R-134a. I do NOT recommend it. R-12 is available. Federal tax makes it a few bucks more expensive. Last 30# can I bought was a horrible $300 and now it's about $800. But you only use 2 to 3 pounds so you might pay $50 extra for a recharge. Not anywhere near the cost of converting plus possible headaches.

If you wish to become an expert, there are sites wherein you can take an online course and the test for about $30 and you become Federally certified. This allows you to purchase R-12 legally. I have purchased R-134a without a licence.

My a/c guages were $30 at harbor freight a few years back and are handy to monitoring and adding freon to the system.

#9 01-07-2003, 05:24 PM

R12 is coming down in price because more and more cars requiring it are leaving the road every day. The last pounds I bought were $29 each. I expect it has come down in price since then, especially in the Winter. There are many problems associated with replacements such as Freeze 12.

I have even reverse converted one of my vehicles BACK to R12.

R12 is the least expensive component of an a/c repair. Stick with the R12 and you will be glad you did.

If I were to convert any more cars, the ONLY choice I would make is R134a.

Good luck,

drbrandini · #10 01-07-2003, 06:25 PM

I added 409 to my system last summer and it has been cooling great ever since. It's also inexpensive. Worth looking into.

a2aa · #11 01-07-2003, 09:53 PM

what is 409???

drbrandini · #12 01-07-2003, 11:06 PM

a2aa,

As you may already know..R12 = CDC or (Chlorofluorocarbon) 134A = HFC or (Hydrofluorocarbon) 409 = HCFC or (Hydrochlorofluorocarbon). To be honest with you I don't know too much about it except that it is typically used in appliances. I worked as an appliance repairman for a short while a long time ago and the gentleman who owned the business told me he put it in his MB's and mixed it directly with R12 with no ill side effects. I took his word for it and put some in mine not too long ago. It has been working and cooling fine ever since.

#13 01-08-2003, 07:26 AM

PLEASE don't MIX refrigerants. The only R12 left on the planet is what is on the shelves and what can be recovered from existing systems and recycled. Every time you mix something with R12, that R12 cannot be recycled.

If you don't want to use R12, that's fine, but please don't contaminate it for the rest of us.

Have a great day,

95300YDT-A · #14 01-08-2003, 08:14 AM

"The only R12 left on the planet..."
Come on, Larry Bible, wake up! Do you really believe that?
Guess what those factories producing R12 did whith their machines, now
"useless"?
Sold them as "scrap" to China! Guess once more what the Chinamen
did/do with these machines?
Indeed: producing R12 now diplomaticaly renamed F12!
They don't bother selling it to every one interested. Who could that be?
My W124 is never converted and I don't know of any older MB converted in
Belgium (or Europ?).
On the next occasion I'll ask my mechanic how he keepes my A/C
running 13 years without problems ( and me happy!).
BTW, I know another W124, 16 years old with everything of the A/C genuin
and still in perfect working order. Only one "fill-up" per year.
Friendly greetings,
Danny.
P.S.: China did not signed that fancy environmental agreement of us so...

Kestas · #15 01-08-2003, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 95300YDT-A
[BChina did not signed that fancy environmental agreement of us so... [/B]

The Montreal Protocol, which essentially phased out the use of r12 in the US and other countries, exempts Third World developing countries from compliance. Reason being that they didn't want to "encumber" these countries who are trying to develop their industrial base. It seems politics wins over the environment.

Guess what the third-most smuggled product is brought into the US?..............freon!