Bill;
I can understand that train of thought. Personally I warranty all my work, and
have had no complaints. Everyone loves the new stuff. I'm sure the cars
manufacturers and makers of 134-A are in bed together. It makes no sense to have
to replace components in a car, and change the oil to retrofit away from R-12.
We in this industry have a responsibility to retrofit leaky R-12 systems. It
only makes sense not to dump more R-12 in a leaky old system. But, then
charge people an astronomical amount to replace all those components to change
to 134A?. It only makes sense to use a freon compatible with R-12 oil when
retrofitting. I don't care what GM or Ford prefer, I'm talking from a practical
stand point. Someone mentioned the flammable component, that's from "hot shot",
another replacement for R-12. Bill you don't have much choice in what you use, I
have plenty of reclaimer tanks, and even mentioning mixing freons makes me
wonder how much hands on you do Bill. Its no problem keeping them separate, and
the EPA requires labeling the tanks anyway. And besides that Bill, we both
know the EPA requires you to recycle that old freon. I don't worry about
"agents" Bill. I'm certified for all refrigerants and have worked for many
refrigeration companies. I know the rules, and follow them. If you knew freons
like you say you do, you'd be agreeing with me instead of defending 134A as a
good choice for retrofitting. I haven't met one other tech who enjoys all the
parts changing over pulling a deep vacuum and recharging. All my retrofits
include a factory label informing shops which freon is in the system. If you've
only got one bottle Bill that explains your opinions. We both also know most
leaky systems come in the shop empty. Now personally I then nitrogen charge,
find and fix the leak, and charge with fresh FR-12. no parts change Bill, no
mixed freons, no big charge to the customer. they pay $60. Is that what your
objecting to bill? Of course when your dealing with a factory warranty vehicle
you use what they say. Most new cars have 134A.You do what your told, and I
don't blame you. I'm a realist. I like to do what makes sense and works. On old
muscle cars there is no factory warranty anymore Bill. Why change all those
factory parts to retrofit to 134A? pull a vacuum and recharge it with FR-12. be
done with it. Bill,I am a professional tech, and a shop owner myself. I own and
operate Federation refrigeration here in Kansas city. I'm licensed and insured.
I do have to answer for what I do Bill, and I do not advocate "mixing freons". I
bet I have 13 different tanks on my truck right now. along with 4 sets of
manifold gauges, one especially made for 134A alone.
Another replacement for R-12
"in commercial systems" is MP-39. It requires an oil change from mineral to
polyolester oil. Again only 80 percent of the original R-12 charge is
needed. Its no fun converting leaking R-12 commercial units when removing
the compressor oil and replacing it. The compressor has to be cut loose and
physically dumped upside down to get the oil out. (I'm talking about the smaller
units, the larger ones have oil ports)Replacing it with the same amount of
polyolester oil. Just like 134A the dryers get changed, and any accumulator or
other oil holding device. On my next retrofit I plan on using FR-12 instead of
all that work. It keeps my customers costs down, that's what they want. Any
questions? call the people who make the stuff. 1-800-555-1442. want to talk shop
with me? 816-921-6984. Len Snow
