R12/R134a substitute - Freeze12

[BrianO]

yes, I know there are threads about this product elsewhere, but none in this review section and I did search. I heard about this product on here anyways.

A buddy and myself replaced our A/C systems with complete NOS parts on his and a few NOS parts for mine. We both switched to Freeze12 refrigerent. we had both ran R12 and R134a and mine never cooled worth a darn and his was ok for a while until the compressor blew.

He added 6oz of Esther oil in the compressor and 2oz in the drier and I added only the 6oz into the compressor as stated on the Freeze12 tech documents.

We both set our pressure switches to 18psi per the tech docs as well and Freeze12 has a much lower pressure than R134a.

His system took 1.5 cans, about 18oz and mine took 2 cans, 24oz. both systems cool at idle to 47 and 50 and while driving down to 40 degrees.

I'm super happy with it and the price was good as well. We split the cost of a case of 12 and of course have plenty left over.

Freeze12...good stuff, won't hurt your system either. I'd suggest replacing o-rings anyways.

[1fastII]

Where can you get it? My F-250's AC doesn't cool as well as you'd think it should.

[BrianO]

I bought the case off ebay, just search for freeze12. make sure you read all the tech docs on the freeze12 website as well.

[Felung]

Still Cold

Brian - is the AC system still working? It is one of the next things to do on my car.

[BrianO]

Brian - is the AC system still working? It is one of the next things to do on my car.

my apologies..I didn't see this post until just now.

YES both our SVO's still cool very well. Mind you it's in the 30's here right now, but I have used the defrost several times which uses the compressor and it cools very well. No leaks and you can barely feel the compressor come on. I like that especially at idle.

[Felung]

Freeze 12

I purchased the kit and it is in route now. I am unsure about the process and location of all the gaskets that may need to be replaced, nor where to get them. I searched yesterday on this site and didn't get far, if anyone has information, it would be appreciated.

[BrianO]

you can get a complete o-ring kit at a parts store for under 10 bucks. just ask the people there, it has every size you might need.

as for where..each connection..I think there are five of them at least and some have dual o-rings on a single connection. You'll need a fuel/AC line removal tool as well.

use the tool, pop the line, remove old o-ring, install new, reinstall until it clicks. Done.

there are two points on the compressor, two in the front bay by the condensor, and depending on what type of evaporator you have one or two in the rear left.

[jamman]

I'm going to try the Freeze 12 also within the next few months..

Let us know how it goes for you ...

[Pat_in_L.A.]

There are many posts on servicing A/C on this board. Use the search feature. You still need to have the equipment to pull down a vacuum on the system after all the O Rings and leaking hose ends are replaced. Pulling a vacuum on the system removes the dreaded harmful humidity from the internals of the cooling system.

Look at the MSDS on freeze 12 and you will see that it is mostly made up of 134.

[Felung]

Freeze 12

BRianO and PatinLA - thanks. I did the search and saw that the Freeze12 is mostly made of R134 but it seems to be working well in a few members cars so I thought I'd give it a try. Also, down at the beach (here) I don't use AC that much but just want to have fresh cool air with the windows up. I couln't find any info though on the location of the orings and if any special tools may have been needed. If you believe the vacuum is necessary, know any good ac service shops?

[BrianO]

it's mostly, but not all 134a... the pressure is much lower. I do'nt even feel the compressor come on. the amount it takes to cool is less than 134 and it cools even better with the decreased amount. I'm not quoting this from anywhere..going by two SVO's that are using it currently with the OEM compressor and a third in a Miata.. lol

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Just remember that if an A/C shop needs to work on your system in the future, you will be very unpopular with them and have to pay a premium, since they are not set up for "alternative" freons, and it will contaminate their recharging stations.

[BrianO]

Just remember that if an A/C shop needs to work on your system in the future, you will be very unpopular with them and have to pay a premium, since they are not set up for "alternative" freons, and it will contaminate their recharging stations.

that's why I do it myself, it's free.

[tateg]

The only thing to note with this compound is that there is enough 134 in it to be corrosive to the seals and rubber parts of a R12 system. Additionally the condenser of an R12 system really isn't efficient enough for this mixture.

I've posted on this stuff in the past... FR12 (by dupont) has the lowest amount of R134 of all the R12 substitutes, works with all R12 components without modification and is as cheap as R134. It is compatible with all R12 an R134 systems and is the gas that the DoD went to for it's on base housing when the swap away from R12 was mandated. On top of all of this, it's more efficient and will make an R134 system cool better than stock. The only drawback is that you need a MACS certification card to buy it. But this isn't difficult to get. Just an open book online test and you're done.

For more detailed information see this site;

http://www.airgasrefrigerants.com/Page3800.aspx

To purchase go here:
http://store.lenzdist.com/product.php?xProd=720 (only $11 a can)

[BrianO]

everyone that is reading the "Product Review" please go to their site and read their tech docs.. everything mentioned in this thread is addressed there. I'm no spokesman and you can do what you like. I'm only reporting what I found and how well it worked for me and two others. www.freeze12.com

there is no R22 in this product that commonly eats seals like 134..also the condensor is recommended to be replaced if over 12 months old..which pretty much applies to everyone here. all this is on their site.

lots more info at their site.
thx
B.