1990 BMW 325I E30...R12 Friant

[TBone]

I am looking anywherwe to source R12 Friant...I need about 3-4 cans.

Any Leads and/or sources from anyone?

[Starmavin]

You are looking about $25 to over $50 a can on the black market, it's technically illegal to sell without a license now. On ebay I've seen 4 cans of R12 and 2 oil charge cans sell for over 150$ You'll have less wrapped up in a DIY R134a conversion. Never the less, if you need freon you have a leak. And at over $25 a can that is a very expensive way to find a leak. You can use freeze 12 "a R12 replacement" they say. It's more expensive than R134a but at least legal to buy, however a properly converted R134a will still perform just as well.

[TBone]

only thing I found on ebay was maxi-frig 12a refrigerant kit (r134a style threated cans) w/red dye leakfinder...comes with 3 cans, 1-can 4.5 oz ester oil charge, 1 installation hose w/brass valve & coupler, 1-R12 nipple adapter set.

designed to be compatible withR134 & R12 systems. I dont think I have a leak, mine is 18 years hold...been cross country 6 times in last 8 years...superb condition...just a little cool not cold.

I believe it is certainly best to check for leak, and this 12a refrigerant does not require vacuming - just put it in and cold again.

what do you think?

[TBone]

oh btw, only $50

[Starmavin]

Your A/C is a sealed system, if it's low there is a leak. If there is no leak then you have mechanical or electrical malfunctions. (speaking of that, make sure your auxiliary fan is working) Vacuuming is necessary to remove moisture if the system is ever opened.

U/V leak detection is best, unless it's a major leak (large enough to find by the freon spraying out) I've never had success with color dye.

[TBone]

last night I checked ebay again this time using the correct spelling, and found loads of R12 Freon. Any particular brand/kit you recommend?