R-12 Freon

[DeathGrip]

I was cleaning out the shed and found some cans and was wondering if they had any value.Or if it was a problem to sell or use.I would think that for a restoration project it would be legal to use the good stuff.I don't think the replacement stuff is as good and some of the older cars don't take well to the 134R conversion.
I got out of the business a few years ago and ain't current with the regulations.

Thanks,

 

[mgjohn]

The helicoptors that you hear in the distance is the EEPA SWAT team coming to kick your doors in.

 

[johngalt]

My brother restores old cars, so he knows a lot more about it than me, but he had an amusing tale.

It is now illegal to buy/sell the 1# cans, but you can still get the big 5# or whatever size they are with the appropriate license and are easy to get.

 

[Stevie]

Can buy the stuff with license for like $38-$50 a can.

I use it if I am requested to...but generally substitute 'Freeze 12' on R 12 ac systems not converted to 134A.

 

[USAF385]

R-134a replaced r-12 about 20 years ago so I don't know how much demand there is for it. I'm universal EPA 608 certified, not 609 MVAC certified.. meaning I don't work on cars, so I don't know if that sort has any use for r-12. They could just retrofit to r-134a (which is easy enough) or mix existing r-12 with r-409a. I'm sure there are plenty who would just want to stick with r-12 though.

R-12 is a CFC... you need to be EPA certified to purchase CFCs (and HCFCs) so you'd have to make sure the buyer is certified... or the aforementioned EPA SWAT team will come knocking...

 

[MK]

Sure, they are worth some money. How much will vary..
But they are still selling it on ebay, and the sales of cans
is still legal if not new.. You just can't buy "new" cans
at a store. You could easily get $25+ a can selling them on
ebay. The buyer, and maybe even the seller has to have EPA
tickets.
I've still got a 30 pound jug of the stuff myself. I see two of those
on ebay going for $280+. I remember a few years ago, it was like
liquid gold, with prices on 30 pounds in the $600-800 range I think.
But the demand has seemed to fallen off, and they aren't getting that
kind of money now.
BTW, I much prefer using R-12 in R-12 systems. That's why I keep
what I have, just in case I run into them. I had a Honda Accord that
used R-12, but I don't have it now. It was the last vehicle I had that
used it.
I don't like 134a conversions, because the head pressures run too
high, and you usually have to slightly under charge. Doesn't cool as
well as R-12. And I'm leery of some of the "Freeze 12's", etc..
Some use flammable gasses in the mix. I'd rather use the real deal.
BTW, you will need the "automotive" 609 EPA ticket to deal with
cans. Or at least you did when they sold it in the stores.
Like USAF385, I have the universal 608, but I also have the 609 too.

 

[Stevie]

Freeze 12 is a more or less direct replacement for R12. It's compatable with the old R12 system lube oils...and since Freeze 12 is a somewhat better preformer in R12 conversions than 134A..it's what I use when working on older systems.

Same rules apply to Freeze 12 as it does to 134A on conversion..such as only using 80% of the system capacity to charge. The Freeze 12 tends to cool better in converted systems...and has lower high-side pressure generally than 134A.

Freeze 12 is primarily 134A reformulated to be compatable with a wider range of lubrication oils than 134A. Costs more than 134A..but not nearly as much as genuine R12.

I had a rat-hole of R12 for our last vehicle using it as refigerant...I gave it away to a pal with an old Chevy truck still using it.

To me..cans of R12 are worth as much as Freeze 12...about $10-$12 per can.

 

[DeathGrip]

Guys,Thanks for the refresher course.I just need to get rid of the stuff.I'll probably never need it.

 

[Andy Griffith]

Guys,Thanks for the refresher course.I just need to get rid of the stuff.I'll probably never need it.

Maybe, maybe not, but make certain it gets a good home to someone that can use it in the way it should be- cooling something.

 

[Rule3]

It's only legal to sell if they are in the new style cans with internal lock and warning labels imprinted on the sides.

 

[DeathGrip]

Maybe, maybe not, but make certain it gets a good home to someone that can use it in the way it should be- cooling something.

So I shouldn't take it to the range and see what happens?

 

[USAF385]

So I shouldn't take it to the range and see what happens?

No.. you definitely should!

Just let me know when and where so I can collect the $10,000 reward.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I remember when you could go buy the stuff in one pound cans at the auto parts store for a couple of bucks. In a pinch you can use it to cool a six pack. When I used to work on airconditioners I remember the mechanic using that big old 30 pound lime green can of 22 to blow out drain hoses Fond memories inded of simpler times........

 

[DeathGrip]

No.. you definitely should!

Just let me know when and where so I can collect the $10,000 reward.

I'm taking donations.

 

[DeathGrip]

I was just in E-bay and a bunch of them were for sale.

The thing that stands out in my mind is that there was no way to dispose of it and they put an end to the production of it.So as soon as it all escapes (and it will) then are were done with it?Eventually?