I have given this a lot of thought since I am having a go at getting my
AC system back up and running. After a lot of consideration I decided to
stick with R12 Freon in the system. It is set up for that. All
components were designed around that refridgerant, I can still get it,
and it is still the best for cooling. I know about the environmental
issues, but with procedures properly followed, impact is reduced. My old
Van is grandfathered in, and as long as I can get the R12, I will stick
with it. Newer vehicle AC Systems are built with engineering for R-134a
as that is the new refridgerant standard, and the new systems work well
with it. But not so well when put into the older vehicles. Works good,
better than the others, has less environmental impact, but not as good
as the old Freon for which they were designed in the first place.

Besides,  I want to go back to Alaska and catch a halibut, and that R12
AC of mine will sure-in-heck freeze that sucker, cause it gets  cold as
winter in my van when I have it turned on, compared to others.

Yep, I'll stick with the R12.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

David Brodbeck wrote:

>I came across this while browsing, today.  It's a report by Santech with
>material compatibility for alternative refrigerants.  I thought I'd
>mention it since I've seen these refrigerants mentioned on the list from
>time to time.
>
>http://www.santech.com/reference/index.cfm?action=view&pdfid=9
>
>They tested "Freez-12", RB-276 "Freezone", FR-12 "Frig-c", GHG-X4
>"Chill-it", "Hot Shot/Kar Kool", and R-406a "McCool".
>
>The results weren't good -- nearly all of them caused some swelling of
>most of the seal materials.  Problems included seals swelling to where
>they'd no longer fit into the glands, seals splitting, seals extruding
>out, seals turning gummy, and hoses collapsing due to softening.
>
>The chart in the PDF might let you pick out a refrigerant that would be
>acceptable if you happen to know what type of seals are in your Vanagon.
>
>
>