Ok, here's the first question: Is an r134a conversion acceptable at the nationals for show? If so, what do I need to change on a `70 GSX. I'm starting to put that part of the car together right now so this is perfect timing. I already plan to buy new parts (compressor, condensor, etc.) so anything I may need to replace the old stuff can be bought now. Second question: Where can I get new hoses that look original? Thanks. Bill
It would be illegal to do it, and I'm not saying to go ahead and do this, but if you really want to keep the original look, you can get an adapter hose to shoot the 134 into the system and keep your original size fittings. The can taps on HC refrigerants are the same size as the ones on 134, and you can get the adapter hose from an HC-12 distributor. Try www.hcrefrigerant.com I'd think really hard about what refrigerant you put in there, the above is as close to R-12 as you can get and it's way cheaper and much more practical to use it. No special oils and O rings. And you can use mineral spirits to flush, b/c if any gets trapped somewhere in the system it will mix with this stuff no problem. By law you need to put a label on there indicating what type of refrigerant is in there. But I suppose you couldn't help it if it wasn't stuck too well and a gust of wind appeared and blew it away! ou: :spank: :laugh:
There's lots of options, but I have notices there is a "new" R-12 substitute that's even sold at Wal-mart. No idea if it's a good or bad substitute. I certainly don't want to start any "refrigerant wars."
Beware of "r-12 substitutes". All of them are blends that contain 134 in some form or another. The only true "drop in" replacement for R-12 that will mix with mineral oil and is not a blend that I know of is propane based Duracool (otherwise known as HC-12a). As for the refrigerant wars, it's just a matter of time. ou: I think I hear a train coming though. LOL
Dave, you have a very legitimate concern. But the fact is that's just a bunch of propaganda that was started by the big guys who have financial interest in promoting 134, it's blends, and all the "additives" and "boosters" that come along with it. I've done a lot of research about this over the past couple years. We're entering territory here that I had hoped to avoid, but in defense of a good product, Duracool is no more flammable that 134, and actually burns much cooler than 134 does and is much less toxic. Let's be realistic......you're only talking about a few ounces of gas here. The "baboom" you speak of might be more like a "poof" in reality. Don't forget, the patent for 134 is held by DuPont, the largest chemical company in the world, and is backed by the federal government. We can trust them, right? Duracool is some very good competion, and the patent is not held by DuPont. Don't believe for one minute the big boys won't do everything in their power to prevent this product from being a success. That includes threatening the stores that if they sell it, then they won't be able to get any more 134, which is a HUGE profit item that the stores could not afford to lose. That's why you don't see it on the shelves in your local Wal Mart or Pep Boys. I have absolutely NO financial interest in this product, I'm just telling as I see it. If you go to the Duracool website and do some hunting there is plenty of info out there about this if you have time to read what hasn't been removed. I've heard of vehicles exploding with 134, but if anybody can find an incident where someones car got blown to bits from Duracool, I'd really be interested to read about it. :Brow:
Thanks, that is very good info. Only issues I have is after rebuilding my system trying to get system up and running by drawing vacuum and adding Duracool. Not sure If I could find someone to perform this.
More food for thought. Pretty funny how R12 was phased out when Duponts pattent ran out on it. Not a conspiracy theorist BUT....................
I checked out their site(Duracool) pretty compelling information in using their product. I already have several of their cans in stockthat I bought several years ago but was fearful to use because no one had ever heard of it and people advised against using it. Now I will reconsider.o No:
Hoonnnnk Hooonnnnkk! No war, just a shot over the bow.:bla: The biggest problem with Duracool is that it's illegal to use in an MVAC system in the US. Check out the EPA website epa.gov/Ozone/Snap/refrigerants/hc12alnq.html#q5 It's use also voids any warranty on parts if it is detected in a failed unit, again in the US. Insurance companies are starting to notice it's presence on the market and may be using Duracool and other HC refrigerants as a basis for denying claims and canceling policies. (You're technically operating the vehicle in an illegal manner). There was recently an article in the local newspaper about a gentleman that this happened to. No mention of how the ins. company found out, but, when he fought the denial he was threatened with a hefty fine by "the EPA". (The fines are real, but the EPA is vague on who they apply to). I couldn't believe this, so I asked my Progressive rep. He said that "some companies" are sniffing the AC systems on pre 1994 vehicles to detect hydrocarbons and "possibly" using this info to deny claims. I've not yet been able to find reference to this online, but it's starting. nailheadina67, I've read many of your posts here and you really know your stuff. :beers2: Just be careful about advising folks to use Duracool. I won't argue for or against how well it works, if it's flammable, etc. My personal opinion about HCs is "Why bother".
That's a lot of bullsh*it! When the men in black come up my driveway they can all kiss my :moonu: The whole thing about Duracool is all about a huge corporation like Du Pont stomping on the competition.......pretty darned good, ain't it Du Pont? :Brow: Too bad Duracool wasn't your idea now wasn't it? Funny thing how huge insurance companies and huge chemical companies stick together now isn't it?:spank: Well, as I said before, I have NO FINANCIAL INTEREST IN DURACOOL.......I'm just an average american citizen who's sold on the stuff and I have a right to my opinion. The stuff is GOOD and it works BETTER THAN 134.......HANDS DOWN! And if the losers with all the money and power have a problem with that well than oh well...............
That's ok, I get just as passionate about all of the garbage and snake oil on the AC rack at AutoZone and the other chain parts stores. (And all of the bad advice on the internet about using it). That's the stuff that should be illegal, All it does is perform a wallet flush on folks who don't know how (or just plain refuse to) to fix the AC on their car the right way. I make a ton of money cleaning up the mess caused by that trash, but I don't like making money that way. I've also had a $3k recovery machine ruined by one of those 2 part sealers that don't work except to plug places that don't need to be plugged!!!:rant: I'd much rather show someone the right way than take their money after using a Death Kit trashed their system. Truly No BS about the insurance companies sniffin AC systems. I got that right from my insurance agent. I can't account for the validity of the info in the newspaper article, but it was in the Lorain (Ohio) Journal about 6 months ago. That's what prompted me to look into it. I don't use Duracool because it's illegal and I could lose my business. I also don't recommend it, or other alternates, because I don't see the need. That's just my opinion, I'm not dissing you for using for recommending it. Just be careful about your recommendation. Big Brother isn't actively looking for DIYers using HCs, but individuals CAN be fined for using them according to the regulations.
