Not stupid at all. The use of the R-134a is becoming abused just as the
R12 was. While it may not be banned, it will probably soon be highly taxed
and regulated again. The real problem is not just the cost of charging a
system but having the proper tools. If a system needs to charged, it needs
to be diagnosed and repaired first. If the refrigerant leaks out, most
likely moisture and other contaminants are also getting in. If a leak is
found while charging, where is the recovery equipment to reclaim it? Of
course a properly equipped shop would charge the system with nitrogen or
some other inert-dry gas to make sure the system held pressure before the
final evacuation and fill. Adding refrigerant to a known leaking AC system
is almost the same as driving with a known fuel, coolant, or lubricant
leak. It shouldn�t be done. You just don't see it. Soap box time but
driving is a privilege, not a right and AC is for most is a comfort issue.
If a house AC system fails, how many of us go out and get the R-22 and
start filling it?

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John Bange
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 8:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: keeping cool a hot topic

> Especially in a Westy.
> Does anyone know the status, in California, of the attempt to ban the
> retail sale of
> 134a?

Proposed by CARB, but not likely to be implemented. Too many people have
expressed umbrage at the notion that one would be forced to pay $150 to
have
it recharged by a shop, rather than $20 to do it yourself. CARB is
basically
grasping at straws trying to come up with "easy" ways to reduce greenhouse
gases. This one is particularly stupid, as the large numbers of poor folks
(who can't afford a recharge) driving with their windows down would easily
increase fuel consumption enough to totally wipe out any gains made by the
ban.

And for those who live on the edge, who dare to drink milk right from the
carton, who tear the tag off their mattress without a second thought, for
them there's always LPG refrigerant. They'll never ban bottled propane.

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"