Just a clarification.  The illegal part of R-12 is only for the
production and sale of "new" R-12.  You can still get your R-12 system
charged by using 'recycled' R-12.
As you would expect with the law of supply and demand, the price for
R-12 has risen steadily. Which is the main reason people consider
changing to an alternative refrigerant.

regards,
Todd
'88 Westy

Rolf Hastrup wrote:

 >Steve,
 >
 >I believe all Vanagons sold in the US with factory air used a freon (R-12)
 >system.  The connecting fittings for servicing would have 1/4" male hose
 >threads with dust caps screwed on.  If it is an R-134 system or was
converted
 >to R-134, it would have the R-134 service fittings or adapters, which
are a
 >quick-connect type (male nipple for receiving a quick-connect female
hose end).
 > Manufacture and sale of R-12 freon is no longer legal, and R-134 type
adapters
 >are required by EPA regulation whenever an R-12 freon systen is
converted to an
 >approved refrigerant such as R-134 or ES-12.  I hope this helps.
 >
 >Rolf
 >
 >
 >--- Steve Johnson <stevej@wb32tv.com> wrote:
 >
 >>How can I tell what is in my AC system now?
 >>
 >>Thanks,
 >>
 >>Steve Johnson
 >>' 91 Carat
 >>
 >>
 >>-----Original Message-----
 >>From: Rolf Hastrup [SMTP:rhastrup@YAHOO.COM]
 >>Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 2:46 PM
 >>To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
 >>Subject:      Re: ES-12 Substitute for Freon R-12 or R-134a
 >>
 >>A far superior product that I'm very happy to have discovered.
 >>The ES-12 is simply more efficient than either R-12 or R-134a,
 >>more compatible, safer for the environment, and costs no more (maybe
less)
 >>than
 >>R-134a - probably less for charging a given system because less is
required.
 >>Their price for a case of 12 cans is $75, and I needed only 2 cans to
fill my
 >>Taurus system after sucking it out with a vacuum pump.  They also sell
 >>smaller
 >>quantities and ship FREE!  I suggest you check out the web site
 >><http://www.btt.org> or call the toll-free number (800 266-7777).  They
 >>market
 >>all types of refrigerants and have specs for comparison.
 >>
 >>=====
 >>Rolf
 >>'85 Westy Auto (doing Tiico conversion)
 >>'88, 95 Taurus Wagons
 >>'87 Jetta GLI
 >>
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