AC refrigerant question R12a vs. R134a
05-31-2016, 08:37 AM
#1
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AC refrigerant question R12a vs. R134a
Hello all:
I live in Canada, and apparently, no R134a refrigerant is sold in Canada!
The Walmart website, states the following for R12 refrigerant, which is widely available in any auto store here in Canada:
I accidentally pierced the low pressure line; so, my system is completely empty. I have new pipes installed. The system is now vacuumed completely.
Any constructive comments in regard to filling the AC with R12, as opposed to R134a is appreciated.
Cheers,
Zack
PS. I HAVE read everything on the manufacturer's website!
http://www.redtek.com/win_12a_faq.html
I live in Canada, and apparently, no R134a refrigerant is sold in Canada!
The Walmart website, states the following for R12 refrigerant, which is widely available in any auto store here in Canada:
- Replacement refrigerant (Canada) for R134a and R12 refrigerants
- Each 6 ounce can is equivalent to 17 oz. of R134a and 19 oz. of CFC-12.
- Using Duracool ® 12a Refrigerant results in lower head pressures. Lower head pressures prolong equipment life.
I accidentally pierced the low pressure line; so, my system is completely empty. I have new pipes installed. The system is now vacuumed completely.
Any constructive comments in regard to filling the AC with R12, as opposed to R134a is appreciated.
Cheers,
Zack
PS. I HAVE read everything on the manufacturer's website!
http://www.redtek.com/win_12a_faq.html
Last edited by The car-nut; 05-31-2016 at 08:53 AM.
05-31-2016, 08:56 AM
#2
The Duracool product is not R12, but R12a or R129 as listed in their FAQ. FAQ states it's a drop-in replacement for R134a.
As far as constructive comments for refilling your system, the FAQ has a pretty good procedure listed, due to the weight differences between the two products. Personally, I'd do what I could to use 134a, unless you've heard from better sources than I that it's OK in our Porsches.
I find it curious that you can't find R134a up there, since they obviously use it in new car production, and there are several US brand assembly plants up there that use it. Is it that you just can't find any, or it's illegal for a DIY'er to handle it?
As far as constructive comments for refilling your system, the FAQ has a pretty good procedure listed, due to the weight differences between the two products. Personally, I'd do what I could to use 134a, unless you've heard from better sources than I that it's OK in our Porsches.
I find it curious that you can't find R134a up there, since they obviously use it in new car production, and there are several US brand assembly plants up there that use it. Is it that you just can't find any, or it's illegal for a DIY'er to handle it?
05-31-2016, 01:05 PM
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Dear CarOrton:
There is no DIY 134a kit in Canada from what I have gathered. I am sure the AC repair shops do have the refrigerant.
Cheers,
Zack
There is no DIY 134a kit in Canada from what I have gathered. I am sure the AC repair shops do have the refrigerant.
Cheers,
Zack
05-31-2016, 01:07 PM
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05-31-2016, 01:09 PM
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WWest:
You posed an excellent question. In fact, I was going to do a new thread on that!
I originally thought I could flush the system (as AC repair shops claim to do). However, there is a very nice video by Scotty Kilmer that explains why flushing does not work.
I now wonder if I should dismantle the compressor and drain it, or what?!
Cheers,
Zack
You posed an excellent question. In fact, I was going to do a new thread on that!
I originally thought I could flush the system (as AC repair shops claim to do). However, there is a very nice video by Scotty Kilmer that explains why flushing does not work.
I now wonder if I should dismantle the compressor and drain it, or what?!
Cheers,
Zack