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Technology Stocks : Intermagnetics (IMG) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Steve in Vegas who wrote (2621)	4/25/1998 2:00:00 PM
From: Gerald Thomas	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3448

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.