Here is the thing: Read this quote from the EPA site -
Note that the Clean Air Act does not regulate the use of any of these
hydrocarbon refrigerants when they are used as replacements for
non-ozone-depleting chemicals such as HFC-134a. However, many states
prohibit using flammable refrigerants in motor vehicles, regardless of which
original refrigerant was used in the vehicle.
Now as I see it, if your system is dry, there is nothing illegal or
'unapproved' about using Duracool. Neither is it a problem to put it in
R134 systems. ONLY TO REPACE R12 where the R12 is vented to the atmosphere.
The EPA site seems to mainly prohibit MARKETING it as a drop in replacement.
Having said all that, when I bought my 66 300 (same AC compressor and system
as our Imperials), it was out of Freon and I replaced the gas with Duracool.
It must have a slow leak because I had to add a can last week. It now puts
out 40 degree air.
Having done both R134 and Duracool conversions, I think I'm leaning toward
the Duracool. It's a little more expensive (5 bucks a can vs 4 for 134)
Yes, it is flammable but so is gasoline. But you don't have the hose or oil
issue to deal with.
KerryP
Patch panels fabricated
Pinkertonk@xxxxxxxxx
dte.net/57imperial
Imperials -- 50 Limo, 57 roadster, 61's, 62, 68 Convert, 73, a 66 300 and a
bunch of lesser marques
----- Original Message -----
From: Ernie Stepney <stepney@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2003 11:18 PM
Subject: RE: IML: 68, R134 conversion
> All concerned with retrofitting to hc12a should take a look at this web
> site.http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/hc-12a.html#q1. The
> stuff is not approved for automotive use!!.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> [mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bar00n
> Sent: April 27, 2003 8:22 AM
> To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: IML: 68, R134 conversion
>
>
> Not having fixed my AC in my car yet (I'm in Los Angeles, it doesn't get
> hot enough to use it) I've perused the web for a low-cost option for
> R134 etc.
>
>
> R12 has the disadvantage of being banned (something about ozone
> depleting) and expensive. R134 has the disadvantage of being inefficient
> and toxic. It appears tht the HC-12a is the best solution, it's a
> hydrocarbon blend which is more efficient, cheaper and non-toxic. The
> higher efficiency means that you need to use LESS of it to aquire the
> same results, this translates to lower cost. It also requires no
> retrofitting of seals and hoses so it's a straight dropin replacement.
>
>
> Carl
> http://www.robdiesel.com
>
>
>
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