I have a 2004 Isuzu rodeo with 150,000 miles. The ac system has had every component changed inside and out. The vehicle always struggled to keep a cool temperature during the summer months and since it only has a single evaporator it really can’t keep the inside of the vehicle cool. I have insulated the interior of the vehicle as well to help with this. Now I am not getting very good results even with all new components. I believe the ac shop that charged it for me didn’t hold a vacuum long enough and also may have introduced air to the system which is now creating this new lack of efficiency. I would like to know before evacuating and recharging if I should look into alternative Refrigerants such as R-12a. I have been reading a few success story’s and told it blows far cooler. Also, that it is compatible with a 134a system. Is there any truth to this? Any suggestions on what I can do to fix this?
Well our 12 is what we used to call Freon which was replaced by 134a. And you can use either in either system they are 12 actually does work better but you need to use more of it r134a has larger molecules so it's 80% load y so you would add 20% more if you put our 12 in an r134 system
Duracool (and its competitor product Enviro-Safe) is not R12a, it is a hydrocarbon refrigerant, a mixture of propane and isobutane. It is very efficient, much more so than R134a and even more than R12a, and compatible with all refrigerant oils currently in use. However it is obviously quite flammable. Its use in the United States is restricted by regulation in automotive air conditioning systems. Last time I checked hydrocarbon refrigerants were technically legal at the federal level as a replacement for R134a and that is how those products are currently marketed. However it is illegal to use in an old R12a air conditioner unless the latter is first converted to R134. State and local regulations may also restrict its use. Additionally, if you use any "alternate" refrigerant no shop will want to touch your AC, but if a shop did work on it not knowing what was in there and it contaminates their equipment you would be liable for the damages.
Real R12a, while certainly more efficient at cooling than R134a, is destructively incompatible with the oil used in your AC system and of course it is no longer manufactured, though there are still supplies around. I really think you'd be better off getting the air and moisture out of your system and continuing to use what it was designed for.
