Where can you buy r134a? I live in WI, and for some reason it seems restricted and no place what-so-ever sells the darn stuff.

Also, how the heck did the prices on r134a skyrockets so much? I remember a 30lb tank costing about 64 bucks, and now I see it going for close to 300! Is it going to path of r12 or something?

email me at runabout4fun@yahoo.com if you would be able to ship me 5 cans of the stuff.

FWIW R-134 has been banned in some European countries, starting in 1998. I have a propane/butane mix in my '87 744s' AC system. Works better than the R12 the system was designed for. It is LEGAL according to what I read on EPAs' website.
Links to sites with products and relavant articles below. I used products from es-refrigerants and the stuff works great, center vent temps BELOW factory spec.
A few more degrees and there would be ice cubes coming out!

http://63.135.115.175/home.html

http://duracoolky.com/

http://www.es-refrigerants.com/

EPA Guide (old)
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/macssubs.html

I have spent hours researching these hydrocarbon refrigerants. I am convinced that HCs' should have replaced R12 in the first place instead of the piss poor substitute(R134). The data is out there that backs up that HC refrigerants are safe and effective. But you probably still cannot buy it Wisconsin. Good luck,rcs

- I am convinced that HCs' should have replaced R12 in the first place instead of the piss poor substitute(R134).

You know that the industry wouldn't let that happen, though (*cough*dupont*cough*macs*cough*). Simply put, there's money to be made on proprietary gases.

BTW, for those who argue that R134A isn't flammable ... well, the first part of HCFC is hydro, as in hydro-carbons. FWIW, ethane is a major ingredient, and R134a is indeed flammable 'under high pressure and elevated temperatures'. Conditions that can be found ... oh, say under the hood of a car. :)

There was a nice writeup here some months ago, but the search isn't working, so ???

-- Kane ... there were quite a few naysayers there too.


--

While I would never deliberately mislead anyone, take into consideration that any information and advice provided was at no cost to you.

LOTS of rabid, foam at the mouth naysayers about HCs'. Follow the money and it leads right to the ones that are squalling the most. Lots of MISINFORMATION and half truths My "conversion" cost me less than $150 in material , I put together parts from three different cars along with Volvo conversion kit and assorted extra orings. I used the original hoses made in 1987. No leaks and 38 degrees at the center vent.
I have no qualms about using HC refrigerants and I am going to put it in all my vehichles when they need their AC serviced.
I worry more about the 15+gallons of liquid hydrocarbon in my fuel tank than the ONE pound of propane/isobutane in my AC.
Good day,rcs

Legally or not?

I am limping into another summer with the wifemobile (1988 244GL) that has a small system leak. Recent summers have needed 1 can of R12, and I am about out.

I would like to avoid changing to R134a soon, so anything you have learned that would help will be greatly appreciated.

TIA and Regards,

Bob (near Houston,TX)

:>)

It's getting harder to find 134A. For anyone that has not bought any in the last few months the price has gone OUT THE ROOF!! It went from $4 a can in December to almost $10 a can now and much harder to find. Walmart in some places may have a few cans but all the Walmarts down here (Mississippi) are out. I bought a 134A replacement and an R12 replacement from www.refrigerantsales.com. I asked them and a local refrigerant supplier why the price of 134A went up and they told me that 134A was a temporary replacemet refrigerant and the EPA had intended for companies to find a "more suitable" long term replacement --- which has not been the case.

BTW! I charged my '89 240 with the Auto Frost (R406A) and it works GREAT!! I have no idea of the long term effects on the system but they claim I won't have any problems. They say R406A has been used for several years and they have not had any long term problems (but of course they are sales people). Read the data sheets on their site and on the EPA site, you'll find it interesting.

Good luck,
Tony T
--
Tony Turner 89 Volvo 240DL 257K, 92 Jeep Cherokee 250K, 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee 215K, 1980 Mercedes 240D 360K

Just found a news article on the Mobile Air Conditioning Society webpage. Evidently Dupont is having production problems. Started back in September. Because of high demands and production problems, seems there will be a supply shortfall that will probably last all through this year. Looks like a hot (or expensive)summer if you A/C isn't working.

hello,
i get r134a in the can for about $4 at walmart.

regards,
byron golden
86 245
92 245

have you bought it there recently?

2 walmarts are out. 1 walmart only has the hi-milage stuff, 13 oz w/ sealant.

what is going on w/ the govt?

regards,
byron

I wonder if it is turning more into the supply issue like the other poster mentioned?

hows it going? i'm going to buy some tonight--i'll let you know how much they are.

regards,
byron