RedTek - Would you use it?

[nickw]

I just got my HDJ81.
The AC system uses R12, but it needs a charge.
My dealer uses a product called RedTek.
So I either need to convert it to R134 (my cost) or have him charge it with this RedTek product for free.

Please take a look at the site and give me your feedback.
Would you use it?
Does anyone have any experience with it?

http://63.135.115.175/products_refr.html


Cheers,
Nick

 

[chambers60]

look up a product called dura cool. Essentially a hydro carbon based coolant ( like propane) , that allows you to use your existing system with the only up grade being an adapter to fill/drain the system. Cools about the same as r134, although not quite as cool. Used in semi-trailers. Good low cost to convert, no more volitile than R134 or R12, cheap to up grade, and the filler naturally combines with H2O therefor no real need to purge/scrub the system due to h2o contamination (i.e if you had a system that has not been working or may be considered "open to air" you just get the leak test done and fixed but you don't necessarily have to replace components due to moisture contamination), the leak test is not nasty to the environment, not nearly as much $$$ to refill as the product is less expensive, and you can future top if needed (they don't like it, as the installer makes money fixing the leak, and doesn't want the product leaking into the open air, but they can do it).
The bads are that the ac system is considered "dirty" at the point of filling/ changing, and you will have to replace most of the ac components (i.e. seals, filters,...) and have the sytem clean purged if you want to go back to R134. A sort of both feet in type of thing, however given what I have seen shops charge to convert from r12 to r134, it is about the same thing. It may not be quite as cold as r134, but it does work nicely!!!, and your system will run at a slightly higher pressure, on both sides of the compressor (not a biggie but just throwing it out there). I worked at a ford dealer and the dealer principle was looking into this as far as warranty concerns, but their used lot definitely used it to "top up" any used cars.
bob

 

[chambers60]

given that he will do it for free and seeing it as the same type of product as I mentioned, why not. If you convert the whole system will have to be ripped down anyhow to replace components. Take a chance if it works well and you are happy you are no money down! let us know>
Bob

 

[brownbear]

why you worrying about AC in Feb.

Don't charge it now. If you have a fault or leak and don't use the system to summer you will just have to do it over again.

Where as in the summer if you charge it up you will have a couple good months of working ac......just a tought.

Oh and I moving ya to the 80 section. No diesel tech here.....more will know about redtek too there.

 

[CJF]

given that he will do it for free and seeing it as the same type of product as I mentioned, why not. If you convert the whole system will have to be ripped down anyhow to replace components. Take a chance if it works well and you are happy you are no money down! let us know>
Bob

You may indeed be big money down if it, say, fries your compressor.

Personally, I believe in keeping an R12 system R12. Everybody always freaks out about it ("Oh! That stuff's like liquid gold!"), but it's not that big of a deal. Try to get a reputable shop to evaluate your situation; no, they won't just recharge you, they need to find the leak or whatever else is up, but it's still worth pursuing.

As far as research, check out some of Flintknapper's posts on this issue from a spring or two ago. Very informative.

Good luck,

Curtis
91FJ80, still R12 and still cold.

 

[IdahoDoug]

R12 users should haunt rural barn type garage sales for R12. Especially if it's a dairy or something where the farmer would have refrigeration equipment to maintain. A buddy of mine bought a couple of large (2 gallon) containers of R12 unopened for $10. They had no idea what the stuff's going for.

DougM

 

[lowenbrau]

I sent my lease back with a fresh can of the plug and another of that stuff. Worked good for the 12 hours or so I had it. Super cold and $1800 less than replacing the condensor 4000 km after the warrantee ran out

I'd consider propane in my own vehicles, all these fancy hydrocarbon based refrigerants are just a mix of butane and propane. Mind you, I now have the hose for the RedTek stuff and its cheap so maybe I'd just stick with it.

 

[nickw]

Thanks for the info guys.
The reason I wanted to do it know was so I could use my fridge/freezer in my truck (works off the AC system).

I also found out later today that down in Montana (1.5 hours away) they will still recharge with R12 for under $100. I might just make a day trip down.

Cheers,
Nick

 

[BOUNDER]

why you worrying about AC in Feb.

Don't charge it now. If you have a fault or leak and don't use the system to summer you will just have to do it over again.

Where as in the summer if you charge it up you will have a couple good months of working ac......just a tought.

Oh and I moving ya to the 80 section. No diesel tech here.....more will know about redtek too there.

I use a/c in February = also in January.