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Jim
Grant has been working in the automotive industry for over twenty
years. In addition, Jim is an ASE Master Technician with advanced
L/1 certification. He works as manager and technician in his
family's automotive business in New Hampshire. He writes weekly
automotive consumer columns and is editor of an automotive newsletter
that is circulated throughout North America. |
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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
88
Honda Accord, Freeze 12 A/C
Q: I
have an '88 Honda Accord and I would like to know if Freeze 12 refrigerant
will work in the A/C system without having to evacuate the system first?
Any help will be appreciated...... Ralph
A:
Whenever
changing the type of refrigerant in an automotive A/C system it is highly
recommended to evacuate the system first. The reason? Each refrigerant
has its own characteristics, though they perform the same job, chemically
they're not the same. The ability of the two refrigerants to join and
work together is limited. This in itself could create A/C system problems.
Also, if you need the A/C system serviced, a repair facility that is not
set up to handle Freeze 12 will refuse to work on your A/C system. Why
is this? Freeze 12, R-12 and R-134a refrigerants, each require dedicated
equipment. Air conditioning equipment is very costly and few repair facilities
are willing to invest in the equipment for alternative refrigerants. By
installing Freeze 12 you could find that no one will work on your A/C
system. My recommendation, convert your vehicle to R-134a. The refrigerant
cost is remarkably less, any repair facility that performs A/C work will
have the equipment to handle the refrigerant, the refrigerant is used
in all cars manufactured today and the conversion kits are not as costly
as many believe.
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