Question about 401 with the use of cars

[justjon]

I have a tank of 401 and a friend with a 91 pontiac that has no 12 left in it. From what ive read 401 can be used as a replacement for 12 systems, but does this apply with car a/c systems as well?? Any possible problems with switching to this refrigerant? And can it be just dropped in, or do i have to pull a vacuum on the system first. Any problems with performance in the long run as well?

*I did a little search on this, and couldnt find much, so sorry if this toipic has been discused before. Also, ive only been in the hvac field for 3 years now, so if any ignorance is spotted above, please excuse it, im just trying to learn. Thanks*

[smilies]

Originally posted by justjon
And can it be just dropped in, or do i have to pull a vacuum on the system first.................. Also, ive only been in the hvac field for 3 years now, so if any ignorance is spotted above, please excuse it, im just trying to learn. Thanks*

Well, when I was in school I learned why you have to pull a vacuum. I used r-401b a while back in a car and it ran okay. Sold it after that.

[justjon]

Ok, well today i also was told that it is good to go ahead and use but it has a tendancy to destroy the gaskets after about 4 or 5 years. I highly doubt this car will be around then, but im still curious to find out.

[mattm]

I've used 409A with no problems.

[johnl45]

Any automotive refrigerant used must be approve by the EPA and is subjected to use restrictions.
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/index.html

[Swampfox]

If you are talking MP39 here then it will work fine, Ive used it in some of our work vehicles before, I always pulled a vacuum first, and charged about 10% less than it called for, never had a problem.

Boss was cheap so we had to use what we had, I weighed the EPA regulations vs. me riding around sweating all day.

[justjon]

Originally posted by swampfox
I weighed the EPA regulations vs. me riding around sweating all day.

Well put.

Thanks for the good reply.

[johnl45]

Originally posted by swampfox If you are talking MP39 here then it will work fine, Ive used it in some of our work vehicles before, I always pulled a vacuum first, and charged about 10% less than it called for, never had a problem

If you’re going thru all that trouble why not use a 134A conversion kit? There cheep, legal and work excellent.

[ballvalve]

Dont bother with 134a that wimpy stuff is no match for MP39 in a car. Just pull vacuum and fillerup! I would not worry about the legal aspect of MP39 but I would not label the thing either.