Hello Gentlemen, I need your knowledge, oponion, +/- testimonials and other infos about the use of Hydrocarbon R12 alternative refrigerants like ES-12a, Duracool, ...etc... on an '84 300CD Turbo with GM R4 compressor and R12 system. I heard it is supposed to perform better than any other R12 alternatives with low system pressure then less stress on the compressor except that there is a risk of an explosion or fire due to the flammability of the hydrocarbon properties of this refrigerants.

It's already getting too hot now and the price of the real R12 is ridiculously high and sometimes too unreasonable, around $30+ for a 12 oz can and $700+ for a 30 lb. jug, and all I need is 2.9 lbs., I believe. I just wanted my 4 month old 300CD turbo to blow some real cold air out of the vent when it is above 90 deg outside. It blows cold when raining or during night time or early morning driving but not when it's hot (around 90+ deg.) and especially when I'm on a bumper to bumper traffic or whenever the car is on idle. Everything is functioning, fan clutch is good, elect. aux. fan is good, the heater monovalve is good, CCU is good and the whole 9 yards. So, that being said, I am convinced and decided to rebuild the AC system, new compresssor, new exp. valve and drier.

My plan of attack this weekend since I already have all the parts in hand, is to have the system identified what kind of freon does it have right now and have it recovered and evacuated and flushed by a local AC indie shop.(they can do it for $45 something) Then I'm goin' to replace the compressor, exp. valve as well as the drier and pressure switch myself. The only thing that I don't have right now is the freon. But I just wanted to have the system replaced and sealed this weekend just so all I have to do next week is to vacuum and charge. But I still can't decide whether to go hydrocarbon or not. I am aware that it is supposed to properly function on the real R12 but..... you know what I mean.... $$$$$

Any comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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'85 300D Turbo - CA Version