R12 a/c service

[arvy]

Can't seem to find anyone to service my a/c with R-12 in the Greater Toronto area. They tell me it is now "illegal". Is R-12 still available in the US? If so, can someone suggest a competent & honest shop that will not take my arm off for R-12 service (preferably less than $50/lb)? I would prefer NOT to convert to R-134a.

My vehicle is a 1992 300E. a/c works fine except takes longer to cool. I think it just needs a recharge / topup.

US cities I can access easily and would be willing to drive up to 1 hr from these points...
Buffalo, NY
Pt.Huron / Flint / Saginaw, MI
Toledo, OH
South Bend, IN
Boston, MA
Dallas / Ft.Worth, TX

Thanks in advance,
ARVY
1992 300E (R-12)
1984 190D 2.2 (R-134a)

[Mike Murrell]

I've heard this story before - no R-12 in Canada.

If you can drive across the border to a near-by U. S. city, go for it.

I wonder if there's some U. S. law that would prohibit a U. S. tech from feeding R-12 into an auto with Canadian plates?

I don't remember reading that in the Macs manual that I read in preparation for the 609 certification, but there could be regional rules that I'm unaware of.

I suspect that one of our Canadian members can shed light on this.

If you do hire a shop on this side to "top it off", be prepared to pay big $$$.

What you pay for R-12 as a diyer mechanic and what you pay a shop here for it are 2 different things. A few weeks ago, I could by the 12 oz. cans for about $26-$27. 30 lbs. cyls. of course offer more economy of scale.

I've heard of shops charging $100 - $150 a lbs for R-12.

[michaelrking]

I just bought 4 cans of R-12 from the local Chevy dealer for $22 a can. Plenty available on eBay for about $20 a can, plus shipping.

[nglitz]

EPA Test to get your own license to buy R12 legally in the US. Section 609 is the automotive section.

[michael cole]

ive got the same problem but larger.i currently own 3 r12 benzs with inop a/c.r134 conversion is looking very probable now but i have some reservations after reading on this site

[bhatt]

Have my EPA609 certification (used to live in Michigan) and bought some R12 from a guy on eBay a while ago. Go get your certification and have the R12 shipped to a border town (as you listed in your original post).

If you just need a bit, I have one can of R12 and I'm located in Oakville. I might be convinced to part with it if the price were right

Neal

[fj bertrand]

I have 4 cars w r12 and got my 609 cert and bought a case of r12for $248 a case ppd. and then arranged with my local refrig guy to service the cars. no problems and the cars run nice and cold. Check if r12 will go across the border.

[boneheaddoctor]

Originally Posted by fj bertrand

I have 4 cars w r12 and got my 609 cert and bought a case of r12for $248 a case ppd. and then arranged with my local refrig guy to service the cars. no problems and the cars run nice and cold. Check if r12 will go across the border.

who knows the Canadian Customs people might be doing full body cavity searches these days....

[blueranger]

i just bought a can of freon stuff that was compatible with r12.

you can just ad it in... got it right off ebay..and says its legal

[michael cole]

beware guys ! there is a lot of stuff being sold as r12 in the states with dubious origin and purity.check this link.http://www.autoacforum.com