[Guest (MBNZ)]

I've got to replace my AC compressor and an independant Mercedes guy (Hilpricht?) in Mesa, AZ says to do the conversion to the new refrigerant (R130?) An AC 'specialist' doesn't agree: Stay with old (R12?)He says that the compressor won't be to to the new gas. Whatever.<br> So, what do think?

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

If you want to stay cool in 100F+ degree temps, stick with R-12. The R-134A systems don't cool as well when the temps get extreme. R-12 is expensive, so make SURE you have NO leaks before dumping in $100 of R-12. Check all the hoses, etc. If you don't mind being a little warm, or temps never get over 100F in your area, R-134A is ok, and cheaper too.<br> <br> (I'm keeping all my cars R-12 since I live in an oven - central CA).<br> <br> <br> HTH,

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Mike, in this climate, I'd recommend that you bite the bullet and pay for the R12. Your system can handle either coolant, but the R134 will leave you noticably warmer than the R12.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Mike,<br> <br> When you Americans catch up with the rest of the world, R12 will be illegal . I can't recommend a gas called Duracool enough. I used it through a number of Australian summers (which are as hot if not hotter than those in the US). This stuff leaks less, is more efficient and is cooler - oh and not that it's important in your part of the world is also notably environmentally friendly.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Unfortunately most Americans really, really do NOT like the idea of using propane in their A/C systems - even if it does have double the ignition point of 'regular' propane. I don't think it's comonly available over here. Blends like R406a are used a little bit but they have problems too (the blend components can leak at different rates, etc.) What is the cost of Duracool compared to the others at this URL:

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Yes, Duracool is a flammable gas

*but* when you consider all of the petrol that could easily be spraying your distributor and HT leads out of a split hose going to the injection pump - the concept that a bit of LPG running around under your bonnet perhaps isn't that scary (it's only 1kg after all).<br> <br> I have since been told that the US EPA still requires retro fitting to use Duracool. For the life of me, (unless DuPont have been making very large donations to the EPA,) I can't see why you would still require a retro fit to put in an environmentally friendly gas that requires NO retrofit? A bit counter intuitive for an agency that alleges to protect the environment to punish those who want to protect the environment? Only in the US could a government agency get away with such a conspiracy (well, okay perhaps in Canada too)! Perhaps you just need to find a dodgy repair shop willing to breach this ridiculous regulation who will replace the receiver dryer and gas only. <br> <br> Regarding cost, I don't know in the US, but here in the Banana Republic of Canada, it would cost about $40 for the receiver dryer and about $200 for the gas - I guess that's about $20 US !