Just thought I would share this - the A/C in my 77 450 SEL was in need of refridgerant and I did not want to retrofit to R134a. Found a product called Freeze 12 that is non-flammable and is compatible with R-12 . I did need to buy the adapter fitting and hose but the cans of Freeze 12 were only $6. For under $40 my A/C is working better than ever.

Good luck, but it was my understanding that there is NOT a "drop in" alternative to R12. You may have just contaminated your system and have problems in the future.

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Tony

<LI> 1988 300E Metallic Blue Black/light Gray interior
<LI> MBCA Member

Tony, I did quite a bit of research on this and talked with a few tech's I know and was assured it was a drop-in replacement. I was not going to spend big $ on the A/C anyway so I had nothing to lose. Been in for over a month with no ill effects.

It seems lots of things work (for a while). There are a number of problems with what you have done but enforcement is weak so you probably won't get caught.

First problem is that the EPA absolutely does not allow blending refrigerants on your own. This means you must have all the old refrigerant out. Next you absolutely are required to put refrigerant specific fittings and labels any time you alter a system.

And just for fun any reputable shop will not touch it anymore as there are no mechanisms for recycling blends which is what you have. Was it Will Rodgers or P.T. Barnum who talked about suckers. Why didn't you just dump in some 134a its cheap. What you put in is 80% 134a and 20% HFC142b. Do you suppose that 20% 142b is going to allow the mineral oil to do its job of lubricating.

For your sake and some poor shop owners, I hope it manages to last till the car is gone. I would pity the guy who has to repair it next.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

where did you get the Freeze 12?
Many thanks.

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Tom 1992 300E 2.6

Steve, system was evacuated prior to recharge - guess I could have had R-12 put back in for big $ , or R134a or one of the new butane mixes!. A sticker explaining the new refridgerant was placed over the orig. A/C label. Tom, I bought the Freeze 12 at my local NAPA auto parts store. I believe their web site might list distributors and also has alot of info and FAQ

Thank you.Igolf.
Tried R406a,all leaked out after 2 weeks.
Tried R12,out in 3 weeks.Traced leak to low side valve.Fingers crossed.
May try Freeze 12 if ............

As Steve indicated, Freeze 12 contains 20% R142B. The manufacturer relies on that 20% of refridgerant to carry the mineral oil in the system. The remaining 80% is R134a which cannot carry the mineral oil. Do you think that 20% refridgerant can do a good lub job? Can R142B damage the seal/hoses? I would like more people like you to try it first to see if Freeze 12 (or other type) works as claimed before I use it. Meanwhile, I will stick with R134a which has been proven working and cheap and the results are prodictable. R134a has its shortcoming but I understand it. Other refridgerants, I do not know much about them and I cannot rely on the manufacturer's statements.

I believe the Freeze 12 have to be liquid charged. Some A/C system has the intake port so close to the compressor. If you are not careful letting the liquid refridgerant sucked into the compressor, you could damage the compressor.

David



[This message has been edited by be459 (edited 07-28-2000).]