Hello Everybody,

This is not related to MBs, but i wanted to know from techs and DIYs.

On my 1974 RR silver shadow, it has R12. The AC works but is low on freon and i need to make a decision:

1) Stick to R12
2) change it to R134a
3) change to R12a

I am not familar with R12a, has anybody here used it before on any car?

How does it work?

JC - you will be best served by just finding someone with some r12 that can add what is needed. I have resolved two vehicles a/c issues over the past few days (a 1990 Buick Roadmaster and a 1985 Nissan truck). Both of them just needed a little r12 (approximately 1#) to bring them back to clear the siteglass and make 40dF duct discharge temps. There is nothing like having a working a/c in this part of the country during the month of August. Both owners were tickled pink.

Unfortunately, if they had taken them to an a/c shop they would have tried to sell them a "conversion" for $600+ when all it needed was a little r12.

I would stay away from anything but r12.

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Jim

it will cost more for r12,repair and supply,but you will maintain the r12 comfort you are acustom to. R134 WILL NOT:
1-be Cold in city driving
2-get very Cold during highway driving
IT WILL
1-leak thru your hoses
2-make you sorry you converted to R134.
of course,if you don't have much of a summer this may not matter to you. here in Fl. i like the almost pain R12 cold gives you when you put your hand on the the ducts.

__________________
72 250 CE-5spd-gone
79 280 CE
82 300TD
83 300 CD
83 380 SEC

Stay with R12.

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I got too many cars!! Insurance eats me alive. Dave

78 Corvette Stingray - 3k
82 242 Turbo Volvo - Manual - 270k
86 300e 5 speed manual - 210k
87 420sel - 240k
89 560sl - 78k
91 420sel - 205k
91 560sel - 85k
94 GMC Suburban - 90k
97 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail - 25k
00 GMC Silverado 1 ton 30k

Another vote for plain r12.

How much are replacement AC components for a RR?
Would you gamble that much $$$ to save $70(perhaps less) on refrigerant?
How much would a proper conversion cost compared to $70 worth of refrigerant?

Now the r12a would be the worst of all possible choices for so many reasons, but I will not start another 'alternative refrigerant bashing' thread here.

r12 prices have dropped to point where a conversion is not really economically viable unless the original system needs extensive repairs. Just don't tell the EPA!

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.