[DeTomaso] A/C freon

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

Is there anything that can be added to a freon system with freon other than 
freon?  How do you convert a freon system?

Bill Vasser
74 Pantera

'Freon' is a generic name for hydro-fluoro-carbon gas and covers both R-12 
and R-134a. To answer your question, I'd wait awhile. R-12 (now known as 
HFC-12) is prohibitively expensive in most states and should not be diluted 
with other materials- particularly propane which is in most cheap mixes. R-134a 
(now known as HFC-134a) was the killer-replacement for R-12 touted by the 
lawmakers a decade ago- who knew less about the situation than you but still 
pass laws governing it. HFC-134a is now in the process of becoming illegal 
in Europe since (SURPRISE!) it's now considered as damaging as HFC-12, so I'd 
wait and see what the mfgrs come up with next. There are a huge number of 
different refrigerants being used worldwide- some deadly poisonous and others 
flammable- but for cars that often crash & break things, the situation is 
unclear as to what's next, thanks to the global-warming lobby.

To convert a system takes at least a new compressor and hoses because 
unless you do all your own service on your A/C, all the useable substitutes for 
good ol' R-12 are a smaller molecule so they'll leak from every joint and 
crevice, even if the old compressor & hoses are in perfect shape after nearly 
40 years. Second, the oil added to the system to lube the compressor is 
chemically different for each "freon" now available. Mixing oils often results in 
coagulation and/or seizure of your compressor. So the system must be 
totally flushed- hopefully by a professional shop with all the 'approved' 
equipment. There are laws for everything these days, and venting any freons to the 
atmosphere is prohibited. I'd contact such a shop (or a Pantera vendor) and 
ask them what they can do for you and for how long. Or roll your windows 
down.... Good luck- J DeRyke