[xj-s] R-12 replacement

["T.E. Sturdivant" <sturdi@worldnet.att.net>]

Having tried R-134 in my 260Z, I would avoid it if possible. The cooling 
was subpar and although it held for a while it leaked out over the 
winter.  The smaller molecule size in the R-134 make it much more leak 
prone.  Yes, even a system that was tight with R-12 may leak with R-134! 
Also R-134 reportedly, can be lethal at low PPM and if PAG oil is used, 
very corrosive. One alternative is to get your EPA-MVAC certificate on 
the web, buy a set of gauges and look for R-12 on sale.  I just bought 8 
cans for $13.88 ea at Parts America.  The normal price is about $17 a 
can. 3 cans will fill most systems. A set of R-12 gauges can be had for 
$40 at Pep Boys. You can buy a siphon vacuum unit that runs off of an 
air compressor for $25-$35 if you shop around in some of the catalogs.  
I got mine either from Republic Auto Supply in Dallas or J.C. Whitney. 
Another alternative that I was investigating is Autofrost R-406A. (You 
can find it on the web.) I have talked to several people that have used 
it with good success. It is supposedly even a more efficient cooler than 
R-12 and is a direct drop in replacement.  Unfortunately it also has 
smaller molecule components than R-12 and thus is more leak prone. Of 
course whatever you use you should have the system evacuated and the old 
refrigerant recovered at a shop unless the system is empty and you are 
fixing a leak before reassembly.
Tom Sturdivant
74 260Z
77 XJ-S

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