Anyone else use propane for charging A/C

[88ranger2.3]

Finally some alternative posts other then don't do it... glad to hear from more people.

 

[killj0y]

I'm just curious why you would want too rather then retrofit, Dunno where you live but here in Texas a 12 oz can of r134a is like 9 bucks, and can be bought from any autoparts store, wal-mart, dollar general, and tons of other places. Just makes more sense to use whats commonly available, besides a few years down the road that propane refrigerant might become more rare the way r12 is now who knows...

 

[88ranger2.3]

Ok. Here is my usage and explanation. I have had 2 vehicles I maintained with propane. Both have functioned excellently.. for my beater of vehicles where when ppurchased it is assumed the a/c wont work, I refuse to pay someone to check it or fill em. I also feel the coleman fuel propane for camping is good enough for these systems as if it doesn't work I am not out anything. The plan all along is to eventually dual fuel the bronco on propane so I will already will have propane on board. So why not. If it leaks slow over winter so what. A quick fill and$ 2.50 later and I have ice cold a/c. I don't see the one pounder bottles going anywhere, but I could fill it out of bbq tank or my 500 gal lp tank for my house. I plan to refill the drive tanks as well so no big deal. I don't recommend anyone doing this, but it can be done regardless of what anyone else says. For me it is a simple decision.

 

[Explorin94]

Post some information about this. I am interested. I have an 85 Mustang GT and it is still the R12 system. I refuse to convert it over (show reasons). Once the gages are hooked up what fitting is used for filling the system from the propane bottle?

 

[RangerSVT]

You go ahead and do that, and I'll be sure one of my fire trucks will gladly show you how we do things

Explorin, you can convert the system over (all it is are two nozzles that thread onto the factory fill valves) Once filled, you can remove the adapters to return it to original looks, but with the newer freon system...
SVT

 

[88ranger2.3]

While I wont post exact details on the open forum, I will put together a write up, pm me and I will share more details. Mine looks and acts 100% stock. Never would know without me telling you or venting the a/c refridgerant... just like any other charge you need to vacuum the system down on a hot day to boil moisture out... and verify there isn't a bad leak... plus the compressor needs to work.

 

[Explorin94]

You go ahead and do that, and I'll be sure one of my fire trucks will gladly show you how we do things

Explorin, you can convert the system over (all it is are two nozzles that thread onto the factory fill valves) Once filled, you can remove the adapters to return it to original looks, but with the newer freon system...
SVT

You do realize that the adapters for the 134 have locktite on them and destroy threards when they are taken off right? All I want is some info and I will decide from there what to do with MY car.

 

[88ranger2.3]

I am working away from home right now, but when I get home next week I will get pictures and make a writeup if anyone is interested let me know.

 

[tempforce]

don't use propane, it's hard on the compresser, as the propane varies in chemical make up depending on where you live. so you will be guessing your charge.
use one of these products in a r-12 system:
http://autorefrigerants.com/co00033.htm
http://www.duracool.com/
this way you won't have to convert to a less efficiant r-134a system.
cc

 

[v8318cid]

Movement from R-134a to HFO-1234yf is due, at least in part, to the global warming potential of 134. I understand that there are plenty of people who disagree with the research behind global warming and the ozone layer depletion. My advise for those is to do your own research. Look for studies on gradual changes in the ozone's condition (infrared photos taken over the antarctic for example). Examine changes in the weather patterns over the last 50 years, mostly relating to weather extremes rather than just "warming". If you don't find enough evidence to support the claims, then feel free to disagree. I'm not a scientist so I can neither confirm nor deny the claims. Personally I'm just looking for something that has R-134a's cooling capacity with R-12's heat disapation ability.
Most SNAP approved alternatives contain R-134a as a component. While I can attest to some improvements in performance using SNAP alternatives (used Freeze-12 myself once upon a time), if you use a variable orifice tube, you can get just as good results with R-134a. That and it won't invalidate your warranty on any replacement components. I know the alternates claim they will honor the warranty if the part vendor refuses the claim, but has anyone ever put this claim to the test or found it to not be a huge hassle? I'd love to know.

 

[ronclark]

For anyone one thinking of using hydrocarbon refrigerants, you might want to read this

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/hc12alng.html

 

[press 1 for english]

Finally some alternative posts other then don't do it... glad to hear from more people.

I'll be looking forward to seeing you on TruTV's Worlds Dumbest Drivers one night.
Don't forget to fill up your tires with hydrogen too.
If you are that broke to do the repair properly, maybe you should just wait it out.
This is one of the most absurd topics I have read lately.
I know this won't sink in but R409A can replace R12, but you'll need an EPA Refrigerant Certification Card to buy the stuff.
I get the feeling you just started this thread for a laugh.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Is propane compatible with the oil in the system first off. Propanes ability to transfer heat under the range of conditions is suspect to me. Not only the flammability factor but if you get caught using the wrong refrigerant it is a huge fine especially if someone else gets hurt or dies. I would upgrade to 134a put the right orifice that would be the responsible thing to do.

 

[press 1 for english]

Is propane compatible with the oil in the system first off. Propanes ability to transfer heat under the range of conditions is suspect to me. Not only the flammability factor but if you get caught using the wrong refrigerant it is a huge fine especially if someone else gets hurt or dies. I would upgrade to 134a put the right orifice that would be the responsible thing to do.

Ammonia, although toxic, has been used as a refrigerant for large commercial A/C systems and propane does have the pressure characteristics to function as a medium temp refrigerant. What happens in a front end crash.....2 lbs of propane escaping quick...add spark and that'll make quite a fireball.
Let's put our hand into a alligator's mouth and be surprised if he bites it off.



http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...31E5A374C43877BC052F31&view=detail&FORM=VIRE6

 

[press 1 for english]

Is propane compatible with the oil in the system first off. Propanes ability to transfer heat under the range of conditions is suspect to me. Not only the flammability factor but if you get caught using the wrong refrigerant it is a huge fine especially if someone else gets hurt or dies. I would upgrade to 134a put the right orifice that would be the responsible thing to do.

R12 oil is just fine with propane, same oil. 134a uses an ester oil that is not compatible even though some have used mineral based oil with 134a for years and no problems. Technically HFC refrigerants specify ester oil.