Well I live in florida and just recently My AC-Which was still R12 started getting warm after a bit. I ended up changing out the Fan 1st. then I added 134 and since it's cold as can be in 90deg heat. Just Drove to Itchtucknee springs (210miles one way) and back the other day with 7people in car (Jump seats mounted) me and front passeneger FROZE trying to keep everybody coool in back <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Mixing 134 and R12 is against federal law. Not thatÆs is going to be a huge deterrent, do whatever you want. My take is that that once you have the two gasses in one system its hard for a shop or the next owner to properly dispose of the refrigerant, unless you "Vent" it.

The good thing is the ozone layer is getting better and by 2050 it should be back to what it was in the late 80's.

If you convert to R134 and donÆt change out the mineral oil the compressor life will be pretty short. Mineral oil is not miserable in R134. It wonÆt flow with the refrigerant so the compressor wont get a constant supply of oil.

There were a lot of studies done on conversions and the failure rates. Even done right the R134 conversions had some problems but nothing like the failure rate of one thatÆs done wrong.

The down side is R134 is a serious greenhouse gas.

Just so you know....If ANYONE calls me a tree huggerà. IÆm going to call them a moron. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />


Seriously, ItÆs easy to take shortcuts and say what one person does wont matter. Its just me, I donÆt believe in the ozone hole and r12Æs effect on it and whatever. The problem is lots of people have the same attitude and repeat the same action to the point where it makes a difference.

I know... What socalist, liberal, Obama voting a tree hugger. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rodent.gif" alt="" />

Kevin

Depending on the shop, it shouldn't be hard to dispose of mixed gases. A small general mechanic shop doesn't have the equipment, though.

We have a gas sniffer that tells us what a system contains: R-12, R-134a and air - and what percentage of each. If it's 97-100% R-12 or R-134a, we vacuum it into a tank designated for whatever it is, but if it's mixed and less than 97% pure, we vacuum it into a tank for mixed gases.

The main reason we run 3 separate tanks is because we can sell R-12 or R-134a for a decent price as long as it's at least 97% pure, but we have to pay to get rid of a mixed tank. We do a very good job of identification and recovery, so most of our tanks are 100% pure.

The equipment to do that costs about $2000 - the reason why most small shops don't fool with it.

Frank

so frankR is a refer man? interesting.

Do you think my god-given birthday sniffer will work? I dont need the percentages...just want to know what is in there now so I can top it off. Optimistically thinking that it was done right to begin with - no air or mixed gasses.

Does 134 react to the old copper/propane leak detector? Maybe that is better idea.

I dont use AC anyway...but it's just the principle of the thing.

Frank, can I swing by for an R12 refill? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I did the R134 conversion kit with sealer when my R12 system wasn't working, and it has been working great for months. One of the best things I have done for my $300 traesure.

No, I'm not - I'm just a junkyard dog. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />



No, I'd get in trouble for that. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Frank <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />