[W126 Coupe] Switch to R134

Sat Aug 13 03:55:39 EDT 2005

Another option is to do a search on 'Freeze 12'. It is available for $8 or $10 per can. They offer a kit with 3 cans and a hose required for their can fittings. I have bought Freeze 12 and successfully used it on several vehicles that only needed maybe a can to actuate the compressor clutch. I bought it at NAPA last year but they no longer carry it due to managerial confusion about its legality. Richard, this might just be a simple, inexpensive way to go and get you through the season. My thought then was to try it and if it worked through summer then deal with it properly later. Well, it is still later-2 years later and have had no need to do it properly because my a/c works. Now for the non-chemistry, chemistry. Freeze 12 is a gas so similar to R12 that it works as a direct replacement. Only add enough to make the compressor clutch engage and remain engaged. If it engages and dis-engages to fast then open the freeze 12 can for another short burst until engagement stays. Too much gas behaves the same as not enough. I say you can have cold air for less than $50 this way. That would be 3 cans gas and the transfer hose kit. Just Google Freeze 12 and think the brand is Johannson's. I know of a couple of mechanics around here using the same product and two who vaccum it into their recovery machine along with R12. Jim Alexander- 'a hairbrained chemist'

-----Original Message-----
From: airedale at sbcglobal.net
Sent: Aug 13, 2005 2:11 AM
To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Switch to R134

Here is another thought!
Quote:
Originally Posted by twochaps
He said he only needed to vacuum out the old stuff, install a couple of new 
couplings and then add the new R134 or whatever it is called. Question: Can 
or should this be done without ruining the old A/C system?

Yes what he said is true. BUT, in a year or 2 you will be replacing the 
compressor and flushing the system due to a compressor failure.

Read this, it's called "black death"

http://www.ackits.com/index.cfm?fus...n=black%20death

So yes you can install R134A cheaply but you will pay for your mechanics 
lousy work later.

Keep the car R12 if you can. If the car has "some " freon pressure, have the 
system evacuated, test the system for leaks, It should hold the vacuum for 
30-45 minutes. If it does then you have slowly leaked the freon. 1/2 lb. 
leak a year is acceptable, not good, but acceptable. If the system holds the 
vacuum then have the proper amount of R12 installed, I would include a dye 
for any future leak checks.

Dave
__________________
1970 220D owned1980-1990
1980 240D owned1990-1992
1982 300TD owned1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned1993-2004
1999 E300 owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 189,000mi, owned since 1990
1988 560SL, 89,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback (My sons)
1983 240D, 156,000mi(My daughers

I have had a HVAC license for the past 22 years and I an not sure what you 
mean by  WE ALL KNOW THIS IS NOT LIKLY TO BE THE CASE.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: FOOTFXR52 at aol.com
To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2005 5:40 PM
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Switch to R134

In a message dated 8/12/2005 11:06:17 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
airedale at sbcglobal.net writes:
So you're going to spend $300, so you can save about $80 on refrigerant. I'm
an older fellow and learned my math before what was called "New Math" came
along. But, I fully expect that even with "New Math" you will find changing
to 134 will cost an extra $220.
AH, BUT THIS SOUND LOGIC ASSUMES THIS TO BE A ONE TIME EVENT AND WE ALL KNOW 
THIS IS NOT LIKLY TO BE THE CASE.

ROBIN

The MB Coupes Website!
W126 SEC Mailing List
Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: FOOTFXR52 at aol.com
To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2005 5:40 PM
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Switch to R134

In a message dated 8/12/2005 11:06:17 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
airedale at sbcglobal.net writes:
So you're going to spend $300, so you can save about $80 on refrigerant. I'm
an older fellow and learned my math before what was called "New Math" came
along. But, I fully expect that even with "New Math" you will find changing
to 134 will cost an extra $220.
AH, BUT THIS SOUND LOGIC ASSUMES THIS TO BE A ONE TIME EVENT AND WE ALL KNOW 
THIS IS NOT LIKLY TO BE THE CASE.

ROBIN

The MB Coupes Website!
W126 SEC Mailing List
Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C. 