Can some one please tell me what refrigerant is used in the a/c system on my 1978 Pontiac Firebird.

I believe this is an original unit, factory installed.

R12

Steve

Thanks Steve.

I don't know about in the UK but here in the states you need to be professionally liscenced to work with R12 refigerent, but R134A is legal and conversion kits are made to convert the old systems over, even tho many people do it illegally by releasing the remaining R12 into the atmosphere rather than containing it like your supposto.

My 78 Chevy used R 12 .
There is also a R12a that is compatible with the old R12 systems no conversion needed and you can buy it over the counter at some parts stores for about $7 a can. I don't know anything else about it but I bet someone on here does.

Barry

Thanks for your help.

I don't know much about a/c systems. Except the previous owner of my car disconnected the drive belt from the compressor. All the equipment is still in place.

Is R12a propane based? I've heard of a product called Freeze-12 mentioned on this board is this another name for R12a?

Freeze 12 is a 134 derivative which regardless of their claims should be used with 134 oil, or else. Have seen 100% failure rate for compressors on Freeze 12. 6/6 conversions.

Duracool seems to be the best replacement, but hard to find. Cools like 12 and legal. Just google.

You can use R414B (Hot Shot) as a replacement ,without changing any part of the system. This refrigerant mimics R12 (Freon).

Local discount store 134 is now priced at $ 10.99 for 12 oz can.

wall-mart $7.88, Pepboys $7.88 w/coupon

Thanks guys.

I think i'll look at this R414B (Hot Shot).

Found a good website explaining all these different types of refrigerants, and compressor oils required.


http://www.refrigerants.com/refrigerants.htm

Called NAPA today for R12 $26.99 for the small can

http://www.duracool.com/Duracool/faqs.html

Duracool 12a

Guaranteed in writing not to harm mobile AC systems.
Cools better than R-12, lower pressures than 134/12
totally non toxic
fully legal.

What most people don't realize is that to retrofit a system, you MUST remove all of the old refrigerant before adding the new. All refrigerants must have their own unique fittings and dedicated gauges and charging stations to avoid cross contamination. The EPA website has tons of info, here is a link to get you started. http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/refri...s/macssubs.html

I really wish they would have limited the refrigerants to R-12 or R134a, it would have made life much simpler!

Rick

134 sucks and is already on the list of planned obsolecence.
Our NEW 134 cars have horrible AC when idling and marginal the first 5 miles of driving. 75% of our days will be above 90* until Fall. We will have 50 days above 95*.

Duracool is legal with 12 or 134 fittings but needs to be labeled.
It is very easy to retrofit to either system. Takes 1/2 hour.