As far as I know Freeze-12 is the only drop in replacement refrigerant
that isn't based on some type of propane, or other flammable agent (of
course there are always new refrigerants coming on the scene so my
information may be dated).  I have used it successfully for the last
four years with no bad effects as a drop in replacement for R-12
systems.  This is after doing several R-134a conversions.  If you have a
86-91 Vanagon with the SD-709 compressor and the large condensor the
R-134a conversion works decently well.  However if you have an older
Vanagon with the split condensor and the SD-508 compressor an R-134a
conversion is pretty lame.  Freeze-12 cools just as well as R-12 and
costs about $9 a pound.  If you buy it in the 30 lb bottle you don't
need a license (same with R-12 in case you didn't know).  Or you can get
a license by taking the open book test at www.epatest.com and paying
around $30.

Hope this helps,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
http://www.strictlyvwauctions.com
http://www.eurovan.org
http://www.vwcabrio.org
Phone: (856)-327-4936
Fax: (856)-327-2242

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Myers, Thomas A
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2004 8:43 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Non R134a refrigerants are flammable right?

For my own clarification ..

All of these replacement refrigerants [ other than R134a ]

are flammable.  RedTek, DuraCool, Freeze 12 [?]

That is why their certification by DOT is not the same as R134a.

        ----------
        From:   Vanagon Mailing List on behalf of Kim Brennan
        Reply To:       Kim Brennan
        Sent:   Thursday, June 17, 2004 2:40 AM
        To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
        Subject:        Re: AC concerns

        Technically, no, you don't have to change the oil. Officially,
in the
        US, yes you do.

        The USDOT, requires that vehicles using Freeze 12, Duracool, HC
12a and
        other similar products must first have been converter to R134a
fittings
        and oil and be properly labeled.

        However, as I have commented before, and Glen Smith echos, these
other
        freons are GREAT in Vanagons.