<ALL> R-134A

["Al Powell" <apowell@agcom.tamu.edu>]

FYI: there has been some discussion about new AC refrigerants.  I 
recently changed the compressor on my '85 Chebby pickemuptruck, and 
since the R-12 was hideously expensive and I needed a full charge, I 
went instead for the new R-134A.  It is working like a charm.  
Plenty of cold air, no problems, and the refrigerant cost about HALF 
the going price of R-12.

Changing over DOES require the purchase of two fittings which change 
the R-12 connectors on the system to a larger size R-134A connector.  
However, these are only a few bux each and the new fittings screw 
on right OVER the existing connectors.  Takes only a minute each 
to install them.

The shop had not changed over too many cars, and suggested that I 
evaluate how it cooled, esp. in traffic.  They suggested that if 
cooling was marginal on hot days in slow traffic, I might want to add 
an electric push fan in front of the heat exchanger.  However, so far 
this has not been necessary and the days are plenty warm, thank 
you...

My judgment: if I have anyAC problems from this point on, I will not 
re-fill with R-12.  I'll just have them suck the remaining R-12 out 
and refill with R-134A.  It probably will be cheaper, too!


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Al Powell, Ph.D.                 Voice:  409/845-2807
107 Reed McDonald Bldg.          Fax:    409/862-1202
College Station, TX 77843      
Http://agcomwww.tamu.edu/agcom/satellit/alpage.htm
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