Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Partial FC: Commercial A/C refrigerant

[Todd Walke (racertod]

        I know a bit about this subject as I've self-trained myself and 
now do all my own AC recharging and repair.

        There are a bunch of "commercial" refrigerants that are used in 
home refrigerators, industrial AC units, etc.  R22, R408, R410 and a bunch 
more.
        The problem with using them in an auto A/C system is that an AC 
system is designed for use with a specific refrigerant.  Each refrigerant 
has properties like how much heat they'll "soak up", working pressures, oil 
requirements, etc.  Just dumping in any old refrigerant generally will not 
work well - wrong pressures, wrong size of condenser, wrong size expansion 
valve or TVX valve, etc.  The desiccant material in the drier must be 
compatible with the refrigerant as well.  This is why just putting R134a in 
a R12 system doesn't work as well - R134a needs different sized components 
to work properly.

        Some "replacement R-12" refrigerants do contain propane or 
butane.  Both work fine as a refrigerant, but are highly flammable if they 
leak.

        I've helped out a few people with R-12 systems and I always 
recommend staying with R-12.  The system was designed for that refrigerant 
and will work best with R-12.

        R-12 cans can be had on eBay, that's where I buy mine.  14oz cans 
runs around $25-35 or so.  Per eBay rules you either have to have an EPA 
609 licence or must sign a statement declaring that you are buying the cans 
in order to transfer them to a licensed technician.  Most sellers will 
require one or the other.

        Does it take weeks of study and hundreds of dollars to get a EPA 
609 cert?  Nope.  Go to http://www.epatest.com/609/ , pay your $19.95, read 
the study guide then take an open book exam.  So easy, even a Porsche 
driver can do it!
        Once you have a license you can legally buy your own R-12 and then 
find a tech to charge up or top off your system.
        Also, some auto parts stores can order R-12 for you if you show 
them your 609 cert.


Todd
Seattle,WA
'86 GTI, Red of course. (exciting racey car) 276,000 miles
'01 Golf TDI, silver.   (new work car)       488,000 miles
'87 Golf, Polar Silver. (retired work car)   654,000 miles <- Gone to a new 
home :(
http://www.pureluckdesign.com <-Ferrari & VW stuff