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

[LS (lashdeep]

R134 molecules are smaller than R12 also...leaks everywhere eventually in an 
older system.

LS

> On Oct 10, 2014, at 21:16, Todd Walke <racertod [at] racertodd.com> wrote:
> 
>        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
> 
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