How suspicious should I be about buying r12 on eBay? I iknow some signs of questionable listings and avoid those sellers but is there a track record of fraudulent r12 listings?

I had a local tech recharge it three years ago and it is back to not cooling near enough. He can still recharge it but does not stock a big tank of r12 anymore - he would have to buy it in 12 oz can at about $30 a can. He's OK using r12 if I supply so I got looking at the listing of r12 on eBay and should easily beat $30 for 12 oz.

A lot of the listing look fairly legit 'cause the mention that illegal to sell to average joe clause:

In accordance with e-bay and Federal regulations,the buyer must provide a statement indicating that this R-12 will be sold to, or used by, a licenesed technician.
"by bidding I verify that I am certified by the EPA to purchase and handle refrigerant and i am including this statement as proof. Or,I certify that I am purchasing it for resale or use by a certified technician. I also certify that I will comply with all Federal and local laws governing the use and handling. This bid serves as my electronic signiture."

Your thoughts?

1990 240DL

 

me, I'd have said licensed technician install the r134 conversion kit, its not that big of a deal. and find/fix any leaks while he's at it. leaking lighter-than-air fluorochlorocarbons such as R12 into the atmosphere is bad, mkay?

 

I'm not educated on what is involved with converting but my Volvo was a northern car for many, many years so at this point in her life nothing is easy.

 

volvo sells a kit that is the new reducer, new seals, new evaporator, with R134a high and low side taps. your a/c service guy people evacuates your old system, flush out all the old oil, install the new parts, pumps it down to a hard vacuum, leak test it, then install the proper amount of the new oil, and charge it with r134a.

I _think_ the kit for a 240 is p/n 9134808 but don't quote me on this. ouch, its more expensive (by a lot) than it used to be.

 

I'd bet if you wait 4-5 more months the price is rock bottom again.