I have been doing a little research on R-12 retro-fitting and ran across a replacement coolant called FREEZE-12. Have any Third-Gen owners used it or know anyone who has?

According to what I have read, Freeze-12 is compatable with R-12 and can be put right into the system without any major changes.

http://autorefrigerants.com/

 

Try this link: http://www.heco.net/TheTruth.htm

 

It will not hurt your system. The blend Duracool 12A is the best you can use, I have used it for over 3 years in many cars no problems. The website listed is just scare tatics by regulators and the folks who make 134. 134 is more dangerous to use and will hurt your system before the direct replacements will.

 

Where can you typically find Duracool 12A? ANd what's the typical price?

 

Actually I meant to say Envirosafe is the best to use, even EPA approved. That is the only one I use. Less wear and tear on your compressor, even make some for your home a/c. My amps dropped 5 amps after replacing with this stuff. Here is the link, you can get a case of 12 for $70.00Envirosafe

 

The article looks good, but clicking on any of the links in it, nets nothing......dead links. Where do you buy your stuff?

 

454 here's an excerpt from the link I provided:
There are a number of products on the market that use flammable hydrocarbons (propane, butane, isobutane in many combinations). Here are a few that we know about: OZ-12, HC-12a, Duracool 12a, Enviro-safe, Red Tek, Maxi-Frig, ES-12a and Auto Cool. According the EPA SNAP list, these are illegal to use in mobile A/C systems.

Is this an old reference? Is the Enviro-Safe your speaking of a newer version?

The reason I'm asking is I'm really looking for a viable alternative. I've kept the R-12 in my system but the price is becoming prohibitive at $65/lb. What I don't like about any of the alternatives is what if I'm out-of-state and need my system serviced? Will I be able to find an ES dealer? Of course we already know the problems with 134 and I'd rather not convert to it.

 

At one time they did not approve it, here is the latest from the EPA.......

ENVIRO-SAFE is a zero ozone depleting "second generation" replacement for R-134a and all other substitutes for freon that are non-ozone depleting. EPA's Final Rule, issued April 1, 1994, states:


"In this final rule, the Agency has determined that second generation replacements, if they are non-ozone depleting and are replacing non-ozone depleting first generation alternatives, are exempt from reporting requirements under Section 612"


If an automotive system is "first generation" (ie.- has 134a fittings and contains no freon) it may accept a "second generation" refrigerant like ENVIRO-SAFE.

If you have an automotive R-12 system you must change the two vehicle fittings to the 134a type fittings and properly remove any freon in accordance with EPA procedures."

It is legal as long as you change to the 134 fittings which do not cost much. As far as flammable what they fail to tell you is 134 has a lower ignition flash point than the Envirosafe. Heres the specs

Auto-ignition (f) 0 psi
Nonflamable (R12)
1411 (134A)
1585 (EnviroSafe)

Auto-ignition (f) 5 psi
Nonflamable (r12)
368 (134A)
1585 (Envirosafe)

It comes with stickers to use to let service people know it has Envirosafe in it. As far as being out of state, I would just keep a can or two along, there are some that use these I couldn't tell you if you would find one. Here is the addres to Envirosafe, they could point you to people but I would just carry some along in your Emergency kit. It is only around $6.00 a can and will save the pains and harmful conversion to 134A. Hope this helps, if not let me know. This also has been approved by the UN enviro group and Greenpeace.