Thanks for the link, Dave Rose. I also found a loooong thread on the forum with heated discussions about R-12 alternatives. Based on what i read I will first see whether I can top off with R-12 (no leaks in the system). In case I'll need to change components that require an evacuation I'll probably switch over to a hydrocarbon refrigerant. The main advantage I see is that they do not react with residual moisture to form aggressive chemicals (so pulling a deep vacuum, not trivial for a DIY, becomes less critical), they are cheaper and environmentally safer. Their seem to cool very well too.
Bruno

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1992 300TE 160 kmiles