Best R12 replacement

[kcmash]

Team, I need a little final help with my decision before I charge the AC.

I have a case of R-12, but decided to go R134 due tot he lower cost with any leak or re-charge needs in the future.  I have been told by Classic Auto Air and some others that R134 will run just fine in an original York compressor system.

THEN, I started seeing some cautious statements about high pressure, compressor load on a piston style compressor, inadequate cooling on hot days.  Some even say go with Duracool or R12A,  Now DuPont and Honeywell have developed a new R1234yf or something like that.

What is the best option for our cars today?  I have the system installed evacuated, and have Ester oil in the compressor.

If you say R12A, where do I find it?  I see that as more expensive than the R12.

Thanks for the guidance!

kcmash

[c9zx]

It depends on what you consider to be "working fine". I've converted two cars to R134a with York compressors and larger capacity condensers. I never could get better than 52 degrees air. I went back to R12 and had 38 degree air. So no more 134a in old systems for me. Chuck

[OMS]

After your initial fill you would have 10 cans left ... I think
That should keep you going for 10 years if you had to top it off every year.

As for duracool...
Products offered may not be legal for certain applications in the United States.
It is the responsibility of the purchaser to confirm that the intended use of the products purchased does not
violate any applicable laws or regulations and that use of products conforms to all Federal and States Laws.
The purchaser must confirm acceptance on checkout and agrees to follow all applicable laws relating to product use.
The purchaser resolves and agrees to hold Deepfreeze Refrigerants Inc. harmless in all aspects relating to use of these products.

[kcmash]

Well Chuck,

Considering you guys there in Oklahoma often forward the Texas humidity up here to Kansas City, I think we are on the same page.  58 degrees can have sweat balls running down the spine

 The system sucks down and holds so I don't THINK I have a leak.   I loaded green o-rings in every hose connection except the quick disconnect which has a buna O-ring.  The R12 in my garage is free to me, and I used Ester oil which is R12 compatible.  Anyone know if the leak indicator dye at the auto parts stores is compatible with R12?  

Now just see if I have a good R12 hose, replace the o-ring and inject the freeze?

Thanks for chiming in!

kcmash

Don, thanks for the info on the Duracool!

[OMS]

KC, any leak detection dye needs to be comparable with the oil
The dye will mix with the oil, then travel with the oil suspended in the refrigerant, other way to spot a leak is sign of oil.
Hey we have 92 and 52 percent humidity and it's climbing... I think my cheap work in the garage shoes were melting on the blacktop.

[kcmash]

Just kinda paranoid about this system sealing so easily.  All new hoses all new o rings new condenser and dryer.

30 year old evaporator and compressor.   Along with service valves.

Vacuum test is good.  But the system operates under pressure.   So if she leaks I just want to be able to find it.

Kcmash

[c9zx]

We Oklahomans are generous people, we share our weather with our neighbors.  We are supposed to get a break on Monday and Tuesday and Kansas should as well. The heat index has been 103-114 here for the last two+ weeks. Being from Ohio, I sometimes refer to summer here as Oklahoma winter, you just try to stay inside and benefit from one of the greatest inventions of all time, air conditioning. Don, I remember Cincinnati summers with no fondness. It seemed the humidity tracked almost one for one with the temperature. Chuck

[OMS]

We Oklahomans are generous people, we share our weather with our neighbors.  We are supposed to get a break on Monday and Tuesday and Kansas should as well. The heat index has been 103-114 here for the last two+ weeks. Being from Ohio, I sometimes refer to summer here as Oklahoma winter, you just try to stay inside and benefit from one of the greatest inventions of all time, air conditioning. Don, I remember Cincinnati summers with no fondness. It seemed the humidity tracked almost one for one with the temperature. Chuck

You were from Cincinnati   next your going to tell me you liked the Bengals   

[OMS]

Just kinda paranoid about this system sealing so easily.  All new hoses all new o rings new condenser and dryer.

30 year old evaporator and compressor.   Along with service valves.

Vacuum test is good.  But the system operates under pressure.   So if she leaks I just want to be able to find it.

Kcmash

Well I'd be worried about the new stuff... the 30 year old bits probably good to go

[7173Vert]

It depends on what you consider to be "working fine". I've converted two cars to R134a with York compressors and larger capacity condensers. I never could get better than 52 degrees air. I went back to R12 and had 38 degree air. So no more 134a in old systems for me. Chuck

Hmmm. This is not good news... but accessing R12 up where i live is like living in California... I may not have a choice as I want to keep the system factory in appearance. On a day like today with the heat and humidity, 52 degrees sounds good, I guess...