Using Freeze 12 w/ R-134a service tools?
 

Can you use Freeze 12 with an R-134a can tap and R-134a gauges, this is, will the Freeze 12 hook up to the charging hose on the 134 gauge set or is a different can tap and charging hose required?

Can someone recommend a trusted source for buying Freeze 12, I can't find anyone who stocks it in my area.

R-134 uses different style fittings and will not work on the FD unless you install the adapters which can be purchased at your local autoparts store. This goes for the fill hose as well.

FYI...
The only reason they use different fittings was to prevent the avid back yard mechanic from installing the wrong refrigerant when R-134 first appeared on the market.

L8R

I just got my FD 9 months ago with the A/C not working, lost refrigerant pressure. There were R-134 adapters on the service ports on the car but no sticker, so I was wary that there was not a proper conversion done.

So, I have the adapters on the car, an R-134 gauge set and can tap. I know I can hook my hoses up to the ports, and my charging hose on the gauge set onto the R-134a can tap but I wanted to make sure that the thread on the top of the cans is the same.

If the thread on the Freeze 12 cans is the same as on R-134 then I should have everything I need but I don't know if they are all the same or different for different for refrigerants?

I looked on a site that sold Freeze 12 and they sold port adapters and can taps, etc. but didn't know if all of this stuff was the same as R-134?

Also, would like to know good Internet supplier for Freeze 12. Virtually anyone could throw up some of the basic sites that I have seen and I have never heard of the companies. Just would like to avoid fraud and low quality products.

From what I remember, Freeze 12 does not use standard can tap fittings. Their port adapter fittings were wacky too. (One had left-handed threads.) You should either buy the Freeze 12 can tap or a piercing/clamping type of tapper.


As an alternative to Freeze 12 many folks including myself have used Enviro-safe refrigerants with much success. (http://www.es-refrigerants.com/) It comes in cans with 134a threads so your 134 tap will work fine. And it has a pine fresh scent. :)

It should be noted that Envirosafe is a mixture of propane and isobutane and is highly flammable. Some people have found that it performs well, others, not so much.

Also, be sure to replace your drier. I'm sure it is saturated after umpteen years of use.

I have a new dryer to put on when I go back with everything.

I may not use the Freeze 12 since I have to get the certification and no one in my area sells it.

From above and some additional reading I did it sounds like everything is different for each different refrigerant: port adapters, can threads, etc.

Thanks all.