A/C Refrigerant

Q: A/C Refrigerant

Has anybody had any experience with R406A ? I’ve finished repairing my wife’s factory installed A/C ( `67 Fairlane ). It’s claimed to work better than R12, and safer as well. I know not many of you have the original A/C system’s, but I was asking if anyone’s even heard of this stuff before ? The web site claim’s compatability with the old R12, and the oil. Thanks for the help.

A: Ive done alot of research on alternate refrigerants. It seems that all have their drawbacks. NONE are a drop in replacement for R-12 REGARDLESS of what salesman or repair shops tell you. In the case of Autofrost, the mineral oil(R-12 oil) will react with some internal components. Autofrost has similar siblings and all the claims are the same. At least flush entire system, change to compatible dryer and use a compatible oil and appropriate charging fittings . I have a new oil that is compatible with all types of refrigerants. and has no harmful effects when mixed with any other oils. It is not mineral,PAG or ester but will mix with them all. In the case of the Firebird system, I would use 134a refrigerant 134a dryer, new multiuse oil,and a 134a expansion valve. Sure theres other alt refrigs but 134a isnt a real bad choice considering the widespread use and avaliablitly. 134a does operate at higher head pressures( high side) so a twin flow condenser is also recommended.

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