What does R-12 go for these days?

It's been YEARS since I've tried to buy any R-12 refrigerant...I was just wondering what the little cans go for anymore...and if you can still buy them?

Anyone know?

Thanks!

 

Fwiw - 134 kits go for $25. - $30. or so.
I had my 88 Mustang and 89 Ranger converted to 134 and it's an easy swap to do your own self.
You don't need special hoses like I'd heard, the original ones worked fine.

The big thing is to change to the 134 compatible oil.

 

Get FREEZE 12. 1LB cans go fo about 7.99....it works as well with R12, and can be mixed with R12

If you convert your system over to R134...make sure you replace the dryer and flush all the line as best as you can...Plan on replacing the Compressor in the future as well. R12 and R134 have different head pressure and most wont last very long after the conversion.

 

Where do you get FREEZE 12?

 

Most of your local Part stores carry it....Ask for it by name!!
If they dont stock it. Go to a Larger commercial pasrts supplier

 

I have a couple of boxes of those 1 lb cans of R-12 and would gladly sell you some. But, I have no idea if the stuff can be shipped. I guess it would have to be shipped under some sort of hazardous label. By ground, of course!

 

Dude! Draglikscc is right! A friend of mine had used that freeze stuf on his lincoln...and man is it COLD...I will be doing that to mine asap....in this fla heat.
Tim
MBL

 

I think the R12 goes for over 30 bucks a pound now days if not more.
Its hard to fine anyone who even carrys it anymore.

Thanks TIM....your off my list again

 

But your still on Sinners.
Tim
MBL

 

I had to do a little calling around town to find it but I did. The sales guy didn't have a price on it [gotta call back in an hour or so] but he said the R-12 has come down so much the alternative gasses weren't really selling that well this summer. His R-12 was available for $18.95 LB can.

 

wow thats cheap.........I sell R134 at 14.99 a lb through a AC service.

Sinners no threat.......Bring the HEAT!!!

 

they dont even sell R12 around here anymore.......your hook up is full of sheet.
with the EPA standards its no less then 30 a lb

 

Draglinks and MBL, Freeze12 is just a mix of about 80% R-134a and 20% of another refrigerant chemical that is miscible in the mineral oil. Mineral oil is what the R-12 systems use, but R-134a will not dissolve and mix with mineral oil. The 20% chemical is what takes the oil through the system. The only real savings is not having to flush out the old mineral oil and add new oil compatible with the R-134a. Like C9 said, to convert you need to flush out the old mineral oil and then use a R-134a compatible oil. Most R-134a conversions should use a POE (aka "ester") oil. Factory R-134a systems use PAG oil.

FWIW, if your old R-12 system has lost the chrage, you need to determine where the leak is and then after fixing that recharge it. I would just go wioth R-134a and the correct oil so that you can get the system serviced anywhere without any hassles. Most commercial shops will not touch a car with any blended refrigerant or alternative that is not R-134a. If you do the work yourself, put whatever you want.

BTW, "BBQ-12" (propane) is a component in many of the alternative refrigerants. Propane does work very well, but there is a lot of controversy about the use of it for laws and also safety concerns. Myself I believe it is not any more dangerous than the full tank of gas in the car, but some people really fight the hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants.

 

Shows what you know Draglikscc....I haven't used it...but know that it is compatable with the R-12 systems....
Tim
MBL

 

R12 is at $44.95 per lb. here.

Listen to 38chev.. I couldn't have said it better myself.

LP

 

[ QUOTE ]
...some people really fight the hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants.

[/ QUOTE ]

Those people should be constantly reminded that THEY are a HYDROCARBON!

 

[ QUOTE ]
Shows what you know Draglikscc....

[/ QUOTE ]

you leave me no choice

 

This is America. There are choices...many from which to choose! Don't limit yourself. You can start with maybe a new hairstyle.... and some shoes..or sneakers or even boots for planting in the occasional****.
Tim
MBL

 

R-12 is $28.00 a 12 oz. can. $625 for a 30lb bottle. Freeze12 is 80% R134, like 454 said. Works well in cars with large condensors and evaporators. Doesn't work very well in some smaller imports. Of course in Texas if it doesn't blow 35 degrees out the vents people******. The shop I worked at put r-12 back in r-12 cars. We refused to do changeovers to 134 or Freeze12 because at least 50% of customers thought it wasn't cold enough. We were able to get R-12 night and day. There's no shortage down here, but you have to be willing to pay the price.

Also.. you can use a synthetic oil if you convert to freeze12 or 134. Make sure you follow directions for the new refrigerant. you put about 25% less 134 in than you would r-12. Otherwise it will start blowing hoses or compressor seals.

 

Tim your not funny.........EVER!!!!! now go push that roadster around the barn one more time

 

I have never done any AC work as of yet...how would you tell that you have a leak or where it is? Isn't there some kind of testor that you kinda point at the hoses or drag accross them. I guess if its not blowing cold you must have a leak somewhere. So what you are saying is that this other chemical and oil allows the 134 and r-12 to be used in the same system?
Draglinkssc??? don't you remember when we laughed? I remember. I can't seem to stay off your list.
Tim
MBL

 

R12?!!!!

BUAHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
HAHAHA! YOUR KILING ME.

 

so just to get this straight, i am low on freon. r-12 is out because of cost, freeze12 will work in a r-12 system w/o having to purge? and continue to use until a change over to r134?

 

thats correct!! R12 and Freeze 12 will work together. thats what its for.

Also Tim. Yu can add dye to the AC system. Run the car and when it stops blowing cold. You use a ultraviloet light to look for the dye...Or a leak detector for larger leak...

 

MBL, yes you get a detector that "sniffs" for any leak. If the leak is large enough you can do the soap bubbles test. There is also an easy visual way: look for the oil/dirt collection spot where it has been leaking. For hard to find leaks they sell a UV dye that is put into the system and then you can look for it that way.

According to the law, you are not supposed to mix R-12 and R-134a. Ester oil is compatible with both R-12 and R-134a. R-134a does require a larger condenser as mentioned for optimal performance. R-134a is more sensitive to over and under charging.

You should always charge with gauges hooked to both high and low pressure sides. R-134a runs higher high side pressure than R-12.

 

I will have to take a look at the system this weekend. Thanks for the info.
Tim
MBL

 

don't go with the "blends" like freeze 12 if your wanting to keep your car for awhile. freeze12 contains r22 (home refrig) and eats rubber. the convert for 134a is not too bad, just***** out r12 (and as much oil as you can), pull down to a vaccum, put the new fittings on, refill with r134a (and oil). r134a works at higher pressures (more heat) so adding a small electric fan (if you don't already have one) in front of the condenser won't hurt. by the way here in so cal you can't get pure r12 in the small cans anymore, only 30lb bottles @ $500-$700 each depending what time of year you buy it.

 

Hack,
MP39 is a direct drop in for R12. YOU don't have to flush the system just pull a vacumm on it. And you can buy it yourself.
The smallest I've seen is 15 lb jugs but its cheap (by todays standards).
Just my .02. If you weren't so far off I'd offer you some of the old fashioned stuff, I still have a jug laying around.

 

You know it's only the US that's really abiding by these CFC laws - down in South America you can buy R12 all day long for cheap. When we used to take trips down there, there'd always be a couple guys on the crew who'd buy a 30lb or two, bring it back, & sell it - make big profits too (late 90s).

R134 really needs compatible hoses. If you use R12 hoses, expect to keep topping off your R134 system - the 134 will seep out of the hose itself slowly losing pressure.

IMO, R134 conversion don't work very well, but vehicles designed for 134 from the get-go are fine. I think it goes back to condensor sizes & efficiency.

Last time I priced R12 was prolly 95 or so & it was $9/1lb can...I used to buy it for buddys 'cuz I had a license...

 

Here is an ad in the Austin American Statesman today:

06/25/2004) Replacement R-12 Freon 12 can case, $150; 36 lb canister $275, 800-807-9612