My AC system has leaked down over the past 18 years to the point that the pressure in the system is low enough the compressor will not cycle on. My cousin jumped the low pressure switch and confirmed the compressor does work. I do not want to invest in enough R12 to fill the system or convert it to R134a because its not a daily driver but I do want to have a cold AC when I do drive it.

I have searched the forum and read where people have used ES-12a (Enviro-Safe) with good results. How many people that have used it still have it in their system? Any problems from using it? I'm looking at buying this kit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/R-12-R-134a-Envi...aultDomainQ5f0

Will this be sufficient to fill the system on my 1992 RS? How many cans of the ES-12a does it take to get the best results.

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,
Matt

 

No users of enviro-safe? I would like to get this stuff ordered so i can get it installed this weekend if its a decent alternative.

 

I dont have any experience with es-12a. I would just convert to R134A it is readily available and works good.

 

I've tried it with not so great results. Tried charging a few vehicles, my camaro for one the best vent temp i can get is 50* at cruise speed with outside temp at 95*, and my pressures are way to high, 50/350psi. at an idle the vent temps are around 65*. i was getting cooler temps and lower pressures with r12 and r134a in my system. manufacture claims cooler vent temps along with 15psi lower high side pressure than r134a, but i just dont see it. had same results with another vehicle.

however i had decent results with a factory r134a truck with a really big parallel flow condenser. i was able to get vent temps at 36* when its 100* ambient sitting still at 2000rpm. i think in order for this stuff to work really well you need a large parallel flow condenser, i dont think the tube and fin or serpentine condenser will cut it, which our cars came with.

i spent quite some time on the phone with their tech department with my issue and the best conclusion we could come to was the condenser wasn't able to remove the heat. i also was in contact with Fast355 who is a member on this board who swears by hydrocarbon refrigerants, and has nothing but good results from it, but we can't seem to figure out my issue.

ES-12a has a chemical makeup of 65-70% propane and 30-35% isobutane. i think it might work a little better if there was more isobutane to propane to help with lower pressures, probably in the area of 55/45-60/40.

I might give it a try again sometime down the road if i decide to install a parallel flow condenser, but until then i'll just stick to r12. if anyone has some input as to why i can't get the performance out of this stuff please chime in.

 

I have had better luck with HC based refrigerants than R134a in EVERYTHING I have used it in. I have had it in 3 different vehicles already. Two different dual evaporator setups and a newer Ram with a condensor that is way too small.

I was cruising around this afternoon in my black Ram quad cab, 101*F weather with the a/c fan on HIGH. A/C blasting on recirculate. Driving 60 mph on the highway the thermometer in the driverside inner vent was reading 32-34*F (compressor cycling), air was probably drifting between 25*F-40*F. At idle in bumper to bumper traffic, 39*F.