I need to replenish the AC with R12 refrigerant. What tools are required to install R12?

 

an R12 refrigeration cart with vacuum pump, r12 fittings. R12 is virtually unobtanium today as it hasn't been manufactured since it was banned in the mid 90s.

 

Pierce, thanks for your reply. I checked in eBay and they are offering R12. Check:
R12 Refrigerant eBay

Is this the right R12 refrigerant for the Volvo?

 

well, make damn sure your A/C has NO leaking before you fill it with R12



hmm, 90% of what I see on Fleabay is 'R12 Alternative" aka "HC-12" which is basically propane+butane. The few people selling real R12, its like $30-40 per can, and you need like 4 cans to charge a system, and you'd better be damn sure your system is hard evacuated and leak free before you charge it. a leak-free A/C system should hold its charge for 5 to 10 years or longer.

 

Thanks for the advice. I may be able to get the "real" R12. The problem I have found is that Volvo mechanics in my area are telling me that they do not have the tools to install R12. That is why I am asking what tools are required.

 

the tools are an R12 air conditioning service cart. this includes a vacuum pump, a reservoir for capturing the evacuated r12, pressure gauges, etc.

NO air conditioning business will install that HC12 alternate stuff as its illegal to use in a motor vehicle, because its PROPANE. its explosive.

 

Hmmm, R12 is available, just very expensive and has to be handled by certified shops/techs. Not much call for it so few bother to go through the hassle. It is still the best for the cooling efficiency. My 1992 740 still on the original set up after 240k with no problems... There is other alternatives available, Envirosafe I have used, worked OK in a 1992 940 I need to recharge it now but it's been for the last 4+ years...

 

"Envirosafe" is another brand for the HC12 propane/butane mix. its an effective refrigerant, but its illegal to put it in motor vehicles.

 

I believe you can put R12a which is duracool, redtek and few other brands. You just cant mix it with other refriderant. I run duracool. Works great 38 in 100 with high humidity. I have an old r12 can fitting aound here somewhere if your interested. With it you should beable to charge with R12. you can find it on craigslist but I would be careful. Old cans might not be anygood, no sure. Anyway, do it right and pump it down and check for leaks and at least put a new dryer on it or you could plug your system with beads.

 

Well, Envirosafe is being sold everywhere for vehicles. If it is illegal, must be the most massive crime of the century...

 

the crime is putting it in the vehicle a/c system.

https://www.epa.gov/mvac/epa-regulat...stem-servicing

 

most cars in Europe have propane. Your fridge probably has it. Its not harmful to the ozone layer. Dupont has the lock on the refridgerant. Now they are saying 134a is bad for the ozone.
There is a new freon they came up with I believe R1234yf. you know why? The patent on 134a is about up or is already. Anyway, running duracool-redtek-Envirosafe is not harmful to ac system if installed properly.

 

Looks like the Russians are behind this massive crime wave too! Better watch what I say.

 

if you put any sort of hydrocarbon refrigerant in your car, be sure to put a big sticker over the R12 sticker saying what you used so no future refrigerant shop tries to evacuate it and ruins their R12 extraction gear ...

 

Yes, that would be a bad deal.