--- Ken Lang <ken@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > I've just found this stuff called HC-12a that is > supposed to be a direct replacement for R12 at about > $6 a can. It can be found at: > http://www.foxtoolsupply.com/ The HC-12a will probably cool fine, but be warned that it is highly FLAMMABLE! Please see the articles below. I've had excellent results in converting my own Imperials to use R-134a. In my experience, it cools equally well as R-12, and is very economical (I buy it by the case at Sam's Club for ~ $2.50 per can). Elijah ------------------------------------------------- "Cheap refrigerants are not worth the risk: An inexpensive substitute could be hazardous." _Fleet Equipment_ 31.7 (July 2005): p10(1). Red Dot Corp. warns commercial vehicle owners to avoid hydrocarbon refrigerants being sold as inexpensive substitutes for HFC-134a and CFC-12. Hydrocarbon refrigerants, marketed under such names as OZ-12, Duracool 12a and HC-12a, may contain large quantities of propane, butane or other highly flammable gases. The EPA says there is insufficient proof that hydrocarbon refrigerants are safe for mobile air conditioning systems, and that leaking air conditioning systems charged with hydrocarbons pose serious risks of fire or explosion under the hood or inside the passenger compartment. "These products are sold online and at flea markets as direct replacements for EPA-approved refrigerants," said Red Dot, which produces heating and air-conditioning systems, components, and replacement parts for commercial trucks, buses, and vehicles used in construction, mining, agriculture, fire and rescue and military service. "Many buyers aren't aware of the potential hazards to themselves and technicians who service their vehicles." According to Gary Hansen, vice president of engineering at Red Dot, at the very least, using hydrocarbon refrigerants will void the air conditioner warranty. No vehicle manufacturer has endorsed or authorized the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants in its current-production A/C systems, Red Dot said. Hydrocarbon blends can degrade gaskets and hoses designed for HFC-134a or CFC-12, making leaks more likely, the company said. ------------------------------------------------- "Refrigerant debate more than hot air." _Spokesman-Review_ (Spokane, WA) (August 21, 2006). Byline: Amy Cannata Aug. 21--Rathdrum, Idaho, company OZ Technology touts its air-conditioning refrigerant HC-12a as a cheaper and more effective alternative to other automobile refrigerants. Trouble is: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has banned it from being used for that purpose, although it is allowed for industrial uses. The refrigerant is made from a combination of butane and propane, which EPA officials say is flammable and could cause vehicles to catch fire in a crash. But that isn't stopping some people from using it to save money. And they probably don't have to worry much about getting caught. The EPA has one person assigned to enforcing its ban, and that person, Michele Wright, said she also handles chlorofluorocarbon and asbestos enforcement in the EPA's four-state Northwest region. There has been no enforcement of the HC-12a ban in the region this year. OZ Technology President Gary Lindgren said HC-12a is safe for use in cars and trucks, adding that he thinks EPA's refusal to allow its use has more to do with the agency's close ties to other refrigerant-producing companies than HC-12a's efficacy or safety. Lindgren invented the refrigerant in just a couple of weeks in 1992, just as the EPA was banning Freon. As OZ Technology's petitions to have HC-12a added to the approved vehicle refrigerant list repeatedly were turned down, sales of HC-12a suffered, Lindgren said. Last year, OZ Technology and another company sold about $528,000 worth of HC-12a, down from about $1 million in the early 1990s. But Tom Clark, an air program engineer with the Washington state Department of Ecology, said he understands why HC-12a is illegal for use in motor vehicle refrigerant systems. "It enhances the dangers during auto accidents," Clark said. "These are gases that will combust." Several local mechanics also said they are skeptical. "That could be bad if you have a small leak and light up in your car," said Jim Napier, owner of Advantage Automotive in Spokane Valley. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ----------------- http://www.imperialclub.com ----------------- This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the Administrators should be sent to webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm