Recently, when searching the internet for information on conversion from R-12
refrigerant for my �85 Westy and �88 Ford Taurus, I found what appears to be
the ideal refrigerant.  It is called Enviro-Safe 12, or ES-12.  It actually
performs up to 32% better than R-12 and a lot better than R-134a, which
performs about 8% worse than R-12.  It is compatible with either, so nothing
needs to be changed to convert.  In fact, ES-12 can be used as a direct drop-in
replacement for systems using R-134a.  To comply with EPA regulations, on R-12
systems the freon needs to be safely removed and the fittings need to be
changed to the R-134 type.

I�ve asked in stores where they sell R-134a and retrofit kits, but they have
never heard of ES-12.  I ordered a couple of 12-can cases ($75/case)and 30-lb
cylinders ($169/cyl) for myself and a friend through an internet contact:

Better Technology Trust,
4535 W Sahara Ave, Suite 106
Las Vegas, Nevada 89102-3733,
Ph:800 266-7777
Web address: www.btt.org.

These people are also looking for wholesale dealers.  No charges for shipping
even small amounts.  Note that the �30-lb cylinder� actually contains 12 lb of
ES-12, which is equivalent to 36 lb of R-12 when used in the system.  ES-12 is
a propane based refrigerant, but highly purified.  Its auto-ignition
temperature is 1585 deg, which is better than R-134a.  I learned that ES-12 was
developed in South Africa � so another interesting tie with South Africa.

Actually my first use of ES-12 was in my R-134a equipped 95 Taurus, which burst
an A/C suction hose shortly after I received my shipment.  I replaced the line,
evacuated the system and put in two 6-oz cans, which I determined is close to
the equivalent amount of R-134 used by the system.  The system has been working
beautifully for about a week of hot weather.  It is amazing how little of the
ES-12 is required to do the job.  It is also supposed to operate at somewhat
lower pressure on the pressure side, and use less horsepower.

Next, I will put it in my older R-12 Taurus.  I have to wait with the Westy
until I complete a Tiico conversion I�m in the midst of.  But I really think it
will be a far better solution for our old Vanagons than the DuPont R-134a
product.  I also heard that the reason RS-12 is not seen in the stores is
DuPont�s patent on R-134a and their power over distribution.  DuPont also held
patents on R-12 and lobbied to outlaw R-12 when their patents ran out and they
had their new product R-134a ready for market.

I hope others on the Vanagon list will find this as exciting as I have.

Rolf
'85 Westy Auto (doing Tiico conversion)
'88, 95 Taurus Wagons
'87 Jetta GLI

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