I agree...
I am amazed to see more and more posts saying :"stay away from r-134a"
I found this link which is a large a/c parts distributor with many dealers...http://www.oldairproducts.com/html/freo_issues.html
The last paragraph says FRIGC has the best chance for survival as a third refrigerant...
INTRODUCTION
Old Air Products is recognized as the Number One manufacturer of Classic Truck
A/C and Heating Systems and Factory A/C Replacement Parts with a Dealer network
of more Classic Truck Specialty Shops than any other competitor. We are also
recognized as a strong leader of parts and systems for Street Rods and Classic
Cars. We offer systems for many vehicles not illustrated in this catalog. Our famous
Hurricane Systems are of such unique design with a wide variety of vent and switching
options that they will create a custom fit A/C, Heat and Defrost System for virtually
any vehicle without compromising coil capacity or airflow.
FREON ISSUES AND ANSWERS
All models of our A/C Systems are manufactured for R-134a or R-1 2 Refrigerant
as desired. It will be necessary to specify your preference when ordering.
Many people have reservations about R-134a Systems. R-134a is here to stay, it
works, and is actually more efficient than R-12. Efficient meaning that it absorbs
heat faster than R-12. This greater heat absorption creates a higher A/C head
pressure. Increased airflow by addition of electric fans and more efficient condensers
are the tools used to displace this higher heat load. R-134a will perform within a
few degrees of R-1 2 when the system is installed and charged properly.
R-1 2 refrigerant is currently being reclaimed, and recycled by A/C shops and
wrecking yards across the country, and should last some time. However, unless
you have an ample supply of R-12, we feel it would be an injustice to recommend
an R-1 2 system at this point.
CONDENSERS
Probably one of the most noticeable differences is the high head pressure that
R-134a systems may develop. For the system to cool properly it is important to keep
the head pressure in a normal range, (twice the ambient temperature plus 15%).
To achieve this, a more efficiently designed condenser than those previously used
with R-1 2 is required, secondarily we recommend the use of an electric fan dedicated
to the A/C System. Unfortunately every vehicle is limited to space available.
Several types of improved condensers have been developed for this need. These
are available in both copper tube and fin, and aluminum serpentine or micro flow.
Both of these are referred to as cross flow design. Our testing shows comparable
results from both. We have chosen the New copper cross flow design for most of
our systems due to their versatility and durability. We feel that these are not as
susceptible to corrosion, blockage, and electrolysis as the micro style aluminum
designs.
For several years all of our complete systems have been supplied with custom
condensers designed specifically for use with R-134a or R-1 2.
CAUTION: We strongly recommend that on vehicles which have Electric Radiator
Fans and No Condenser Fan that the Radiator Fan must be wired with a pressure
switch or clutch relay to engage fan with the A/C System. The A/C head pressure
will increase much faster than the engine temperature which can cause damage to
the A/C system.
RECEIVER/DRIER
The drier is the filter for your NC system. Much like the oil filter for an engine. It
absorbs moisture, metal shavings, and rubber deterioration from the hoses. The
new driers contain XH-9 desiccant which is compatible with all automotive
refrigerants. Old Air Products has been supplying these for several years. As a
customer service we also rebuild driers that are no longer available with XH-9
desiccant.
COMPRESSOR
The primary difference between the R-134a and R-I 2 compressors is the oil and
seals. Based on all the information on retrofitting that we have reviewed: most all
compressors of eight cubic inches and above are suitable candidates for retrofitting
to R-134a systems. This can be done by draining the mineral oil and replacing with
PAG or Ester oil. Our preference is Ester, from all of our testing it mixes with
residual mineral oil, where the PAG does not. Before retrofitting you should consult
the manufacturer recommendations and restrictions for warranty. We have not
seen any problems to date with the shaft seals and internal seals when retrofitting,
although we suspect these could shorten the compressor life. All Compressors,
New and Rebuilt, that we supply, come with adequate oil for the complete system.
HOSE
Dayco Nylon Barrier and Goodyear Galaxy Barrier, are the new hose designs
introduced for use with R-134a and R-1 2. These have a nylon liner between the
outer and inner hose layers. These are improvements over the earlier Barrier designs
where the liner was an inner layer, which could tear.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF RETROFITTING:
Tests have shown most of the early designs of rubber hose used with R-I 2 refrigerant
and adequate oil for the system, have essentially the same permeation rate as
Nylon Barrier hose. (Adequate oil: see Compressor).
FITTINGS
The three barb fittings which we are accustomed to, work with R-134a when crimped
properly. All fittings for use with R-134a should be crimped with ferrules, gear clamps
are not acceptable for use with R-134a.
New beadlock style fittings are now available and may be used with any automotive
refrigerant. The ferrule is part of the beadlock fitting, and provides most of the
holding power. These new fittings must be crimped with a bubble style crimper, the
old style linear crimpers do not have the strength to hold beadlock fittings. It may
take time for these new style crimpers to reach the service field.
Each new refrigerant requires its own design of service port fittings, which will be
specific and dedicated only to that refrigerant. For R-134a you will become familiar
with a new quick disconnect style, and you should notice that the high side is
physically larger than the low side. Opposite of R-1 2 service fittings
0-RING SEALS
The new styles of 0-Rings (for use with all refrigerants) are recognizable by their
unique Blue or Green color. It should be noted that the color may be from an
exterior dye and may rub off and be black after use.
REFRIGERANT CHARGE
R-134a requires approximately 15% less freon than R-12, which means the sight
glass may not clear when properly charged.
CAUTION: CROSS CONTAMINATION
Today's Air Conditioning Service must be performed with utmost caution.
Refrigerants should never be mixed in a system, only a small residue of R-12 is
acceptable when retrofitting. Refrigerants not designated for the Automotive industry
should not be used. Heavy fines and fees are assessed for the disposal of
contaminated refrigerants.
REFRIGERANTS OF CHOICE:
The cost of R-12 Refrigerant is steadily increasing, and although recycling is a
viable alternative, in reality it is truly unknown how long it will be available, or at
what inflated cost.
Millions of dollars have been spent on testing and research of R-134a. R-134a is
the refrigerant of choice, for the automotive air conditioning industry.
Caution should be taken when choosing alternative refrigerants. Refrigerants
containing flammable gases such as propane or butane have been introduced to
the market.
For each alternative refrigerant to enter the market it will be necessary for the
manufacturer to design special charging fittings unique only to that specific
refrigerant. Secondarily, each service center will be required to purchase a Recycling
Machine, Gauges, and Vacuum Pump dedicated to that Specific Refrigerant. Many
shops will be unable to justify the cost of the additional equipment required for
each new refrigerant. The added equipment cost are reasons to question the viability
of a refrigerant, and its chance of survival on the market.
Good News!! Pennzoil is distributing "FR12tm" through their Jiffy Lube Centers.
FRIGCtm has been accepted by the EPA as a substitute for R-12 in automotive
A/C systems. FRIGCtm, known by the EPA as "HCFC Blend Beta" also using the
name FR12tm. FRlGCtm characterized as a low pressure blend of R134a which
closely matches R-12 in Performance. "FR12tm" may out perform 134a in some
applications. With this distribution network in place, "FR12tm" appears to have the
best chance of survival, as a third refrigerant. |
