Date:         Sat, 4 Oct 2008 12:00:34 -0700
Reply-To:     Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: A/C Freon
In-Reply-To:  <48E7BAC0.8060206@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Propane and Isobutane combine rather nicely with R12...at least they have
for over two years  in my van.  My Mercedes runs fairly well on the combo,
even without R12.

YMMV

On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:49 AM, John Rodgers <inua@charter.net> wrote:

> Bob,
>
> I think that is a little strong - "No shop will do anything to your
> system!" That may well be the case with Franchise shops, and dealer
> shops. But there are many independent shops who will do the work, if all
> is in order.You can go from Freon 12 to R134a to Freeze 12 (the best
> freon replacement) but the proper steps must be observed. For one thing,
> to go from Freon to Freeze 12 the Freon must be properly extracted and
> disposed of. Then the R134a valves and fittings must be installed, along
> with any additives called for, then the system must be purged, and only
> then can the  Freeze 12 can be added. But once youve got it, your've got
> it. The only real reason for going to Freeze 12 on the stock AC system
> on a Vanagon is to save the compressor. If you are going to replace the
> compressor, replace it with one compatible with R134a. It makes life so
> much easier. If keeping the stock compressor is the goal, the go to
> Freeze 12. It operates well on a much lower head pressure than the
> R134a. The R134a will kill a stock vanagon compressor in short order
>

Casey
'87 300TD
'94 100CSQ Avant
'89 Bluestar