I tried finding some freeze 12 today, and as I expected, the response I got from each place I called was "what's that"? I'm not a chemist, or an expert with this stuff, but I have worked with auto A/C for some time now and I have just found a product that I am quite impressed with. I discovered this stuff called "Duracool" which replaces Freon.....it is compatible with ALL oils, whether it is mineral (OE with r-12 systems), PAG oil, and Ester oil. The name of this product is being changed to "HC-12A" b/c of a royalty issue. I spoke with the rep of this product who explained some things to me, and I believe what he said: One interesting thing I learned is that "freeze 12" is a blend of 80% r-134 (I hate that stuff) and another chemical. What most people do not realize, is that R-134 IS CORROSIVE TO ALLUMINUM! They do not tell you that, b/c the parts will be out of warranty by the time that happens. Also, R-134 is not FLAMMABLE, it is COMBUSTIBLE. It burns HOT and FAST.......six times hotter than gasoline!!! Read the warning on the side of the can or read the safety data sheet. According to this person of whom I spoke to, there has been many collissions where the occupants were burned to death b/c the R-134 has exploded and incinerated them. It was blamed on the fuel lines, but how could gasoline enter the passenger compartment and burn so hot? "Duracool" is propane based, but it is a very small percentage by volume. If it ignites, it would only be a short flash. It is suppossed to cool better than the r-12 that it replaces, is envirnmentally friendly, and a case of 12 cans only costs $60.........that's only $5 per can. (you only need about 2 or 3 cans per car) The adapter they sell that fits on the can converts to a r-12 fitting ($10), so no retrofitting is necessary and you can use r-12 guages. It is also harmless to the system, including alluminum parts. This guy told me they have never had a damage claim. This product is not heard of because they are being shut out by the r-134 market and parts manufacturers.........if a good product won't harm parts, they won't sell many replacements, right? Sounds logical to me. :bglasses: I ordered some, and plan on installing it in all my vehicles before the R-134 destroys the alluminum parts. I will later post my results of how it worked out for me. Check out their website: http://www.duracoolusa.com/ :Brow:
My brother and I split a case of DuraCool the last time we were at the GS Nationals. We bought it from Bernie Reikus, of the Chicagoland Chapter of the GSCA. Bernie is a great guy to talk to also.:TU: DuraCool works very well, I can vouch for that.:Smarty: :bglasses: Not only is it efficient, but it's extremely safe - compared to all the other stuff available. It's actually become MANDATORY in some European countries.
Joe... Where did you get the Duracool from??? I never knew about the Freeze 12 problems, and now I want it out of my wifes car... So then I'd like to try the Duracool but people around here act ignorant if its anything other than R134.:blast: They are unwilling to consider any alternatives. Thanks, Jeff
I got the number from the website, a place called Fox Tool & supply sells it, (866) 865-6233. I spoke to Charles Fox, the shipping is by Fed Ex and is only $7.50. This case I got was on special for $60 (reg. 69.95) because the name is changing from "Duracool" to "HC12A" and the cans with the old label are cheaper. I'm going to try this stuff in my drivers first and if it works as good as they say I will put it in the Riv. :bglasses: If you order some, don't forget the adapter to convert the can to an R-12 fitting, it's $10 extra.
