R12 Air Conditioning in '78

[Hugh A.]

I have a '78 with AC that no longer blows cold. I haven't validated - but I assume it uses an R12 system and has not been retrofit for R134

Any one in southern Ontario have any experience with or knowledge of AC service techs licensed to work on old (R12) AC systems?

Any one anywhere have any experience in using Duracool refrigerant in an R12 system?

[Jim T.]

Re: R12 Air Conditioning in '78

I do not believe there is any evidence that there are replacements for R12 that are as good or better in a Corvette that originally came with R12.
Depending on your 78's air conditioning system you may still be able to get it serviced with R12 somewhere.
Do you know why your 78's air conditioning system is not functional?
Leaks are generally a common problem. Stopping the leakage can be a problem.
Someone mentioned that a facility that does repairs for long distance haulers, semi-trucks, might be a possible location for installing some R12.
I do know my Chevrolet dealer does not do it.
You can get your license on line to buy R12. It used to be carried on the shelves of Auto Zone a few years, mayby several now, but a license was required to buy it.

[William C.]

Re: R12 Air Conditioning in '78

One place to look might me a Boat Dealership or repair shop. We have a local autobody shop that does some Corvettes as well as Boats and he does R-12 work he says because the boat people need it..

[Arland D.]

Re: R12 Air Conditioning in '78

Hugh,

I am currently using Duracool in one of the cars. The reasons for switching are: R12 oil compatible, runs at lower internal pressure, higher flash point, requires smaller amounts, doesn't hurt the ozone, costs a lot less, more efficient than R134, and in this case, will freeze your buns off. There may be other opinions forthcoming but for me it works great and will be used in the other cars with R12 when the time comes. Just my .02,

Arland

[Michael M.]

Re: R12 Air Conditioning in '78

MANY A/C shops in the US still have access to, and use R-12 on a day-to-day basis. So finding a shop that can recharge a system for you may not be a big problem. Most switch to 134A because of the ability to easily buy it at local stores without a license. I have yet to see any documentation that 134A is any safer than R12, Duponts' patent just ran out on the R12. Thats why you could buy it for $.99 a can for a while before the government (in cooperation with Dupont), banned it.

The BIGGEST consumer of R12? The US government.

Just my $.02

[Jack H.]

Re: R12 Air Conditioning in '78

"The BIGGEST consumer of R12? The US government."

And the source for this stated fact is????

Companies like Krogers use a LOT of R-12 in their existing/older cooler/freezer equipment. HVAC mechanics who work on these have a lot of tricks that the ordinary auto A/C techs don't...

Tricks like how to change out a Schraeder valve on a running compressor without shutting it down and pumping the refrigerant out! That's a handy one...

Plus, most auto A/C shops practice under limited refrigeration license allowing them to ONLY handle R-12 and R-134. Your typical HVAC journeyman is licensed to handle all of the 'exotic' refrigerants and there are quite a few that will do the job of being a 'drop-in' replacement for R-12...

[Oliver B.]

Re: R12 Air Conditioning in '78

When I had to have my AC refilled, I chose R413A as substitute for R12.
Pro: none of the hoses had to be exchanged (same density as R12).
Con: the cooling efficiency is a bit lower compared to that of the prior R12 fill...