What is FR-12?

FR-12 is a blend of three components; R-134a , R-124 , and R-600. It is an enhanced version of R134a, which more closely matches R-12 performance and pressures. This enhancement improves system performance and durability while simplifying the conversion process and overall costs.

I’m not familiar with FR-12?

In the mid-90’s Pennzoil distributed the product but did not promote it properly. FR-12 was the first R-12 alternative approved by the U.S.E.P.A. in 1995 and because it has the least amount of R134a in it, it works the best in R-12 conversions and as a replacement for R-134a.

Is FR-12 flammable?

NO!! Of the many R-12 alternatives that were originally offered to the market, there were three, namely OZ-12, HC-12a, and Duracool 12a which have now all been banned by the USEPA for flammability risk. FR-12 meets all USEPA and DOT requirements, is rated as A1/A1 (non-flammable and non- toxic) by Underwriter Laboratories and ASHRAE.

Does FR-12 contain propane?

NO!! In the market, there are certain hydrocarbon products offered for sale for automotive applications. These products are specifically forbidden by the U.S.E.P.A. for use as an R-12 alternative. Sellers get around this by only offering the product for use in R-134a vehicles.

Who is the competition?

For R-12 conversions, regular R-134a is the biggest competitor. R-12 systems that have been converted to R-134a simply don’t work very well. In hot climates, R-134a simply doesn’t get it. The head pressures are too high and the old R-12 condensers are too small. Other blend alternatives such as Autofrost, Freeze 12, & Freezone are the direct competitors. Autofrost contains R-22 and requires the replacement of hoses and is more expensive.

Why do compressor manufacturers say they will not warranty a compressor if an alternative refrigerant is used?

It’s pretty simple. They don’t have to. If they started approved one alternative, they would open the floodgates and be asked to approve 20 other alternatives. They would spent countless hours testing. It’s easier to say no to all of them.

Is a license needed to purchase or install FR-12?

Yes. A mechanic must show valid A/C certification from an EPA-accepted training program to purchase FR-12 or any other approved alternative. A copy of this certification must be kept on file by the seller; the same as done with R-12 sales.

What size containers does FR-12 come in?

FR-12 is packaged and available in: 9.6 oz. cans, 25 lb. disposable cylinders, and 125 lb. refillable cylinders. In the state of Wisconsin, the sale of small cans is forbidden.

Is FRIGC (FR-12) accepted by the U. S. EPA?

FR-12 is accepted under the USEPA SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Program) program for both mobile and stationary applications. It is accepted subject to use conditions, which are: The vehicle must have unique fittings installed on service ports and the existing label must be replaced with a new “retrofit” label.

What other approvals or endorsement does FR-12 have?

FR-12 has been chosen by Jiffy Lube USA, endorsed by Farm Equipment Magazine USA, the State of California, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Clardy Climate Systems (a U.S. manufacturer of A/C systems) and various branches of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard).

Can I add to (top off) R-12 systems with FR-12?

In an automotive system it is illegal to mix refrigerants. Will it work? Yes!! Is it legal? NO!!!

Can I add (top off) FR-12 systems with FR-12?

Yes, you can top off the system to replace normal system leakage.

Are there vehicles for which FR-12 is not recommended?

None that we know of. However certain models that use compressors that have viton shaft seals have been known to leak with R134a but exact models are not known. During a normal retrofit to FR-12 the residual mineral oil seals the hoses and gaskets and minimizes any negative effects from the change of refrigerant and additional Polyolester (POE) ester lubricant.

Can I convert existing R-12 recovery machines to FR-12?

Yes. You can convert existing R-12 recovery equipment. Conversion of existing equipment is easy. Simply add a FR-12 label, add a new filter dryer and use a clean, empty and evacuated recovery cylinder. If any refrigerant is left in the system it should be recovered and evacuated before converting. Converted equipment should then only be used to recover FR-12.

Can I recycle FR-12?

Yes. If you designate a automotive recycling machine to FR-12, it will work just fine.

What type of leak detectors can be used with FR-12?

Both R-134a and R-12 electronic leak detectors (either heated diode or sniffer type) are suitable for use with FR-12. Before using a leak-dye with FR-12 check with the dye manufacturer for compatibility. We recommend using a dye that is suitable with the largest quantity of oil in the system, usually mineral oil. Be sure the dye does not use R-12 as a propellant.

What parts and equipment will I need to use with FR-12?

• High and low side FR-12 retrofit fittings for the vehicle;
• High and low side FR-12 service couplers with adapter fittings
• 2 oz (POE) Ester Oil
• Existing R-12 manifold and gauge set; and
• Conversion labels to identify FR-12 in the system.

Why do I have to use FR-12 fittings?

Unique fittings are required by the U.S. EPA to minimize the potential of cross contamination of refrigerants. This is the same approach as adopted for R134a use.

I have heard that blends can fractionate. What is fractionation?

Fractionation occurs when the components in a blended refrigerant “fracture” or separate in the system or under leak conditions. Fractionation results in a change of ratio from the original mix due to leakage or change of state (liquid to vapor). FR-12 has a very low tendency toward fractionation. All refrigerant blends designed for automotive applications fractionate to some degree. Only a pure blend such as R-12, which is made from one component, does not fractionate.

Does fractionation affect FR-12 in a typical system?

Fractionation for FR-12 is not a function of time, but rather of leak conditions. In a sealed system, FR-12 should maintain its integrity indefinitely. Under certain leak conditions, the relative concentration or ratio of the components may change.

What is the basic conversion procedure from R-12 to FR-12?

To convert a properly functioning automotive R-12 system to FR-12, an installer must:

• Recover and recycle the R-12;
• Evacuate the system properly (for approximately 30 minutes);
• Add approx. 2 oz. of Ester (POE) oil
• Charge the system to approximately 80 to 90% of the R-12 capacity and install the under-hood “system identification retrofit label”.
• Install retrofit fittings on the high and low side service ports;

It’s that simple! In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the cycling pressure switch on CCOT systems for optimum performance.

Why use a maximum 80-90% charge of FR-12?

The lower charge level of FR-12 compared to R-12 is primarily due to the lower density of FR-12. A 90% charge of FR-12 is the MAXIMUM we recommend when converting from R-12 for cars and trucks. In some cases, similar performance can be obtained with even lower charge amounts; however this may reduce the reserve refrigerant in the system. Generally the system will require less FR-12 than R-12, which can save money on each service performed.

Does the mineral oil have to be removed with FR-12?

For automotive applications, no draining or flushing is required unless you know there is debris or contaminated oil in the system. If a system must be flushed, when repaired, replace the original amount of mineral oil required and then add the ester oil.

What kind of oil do I need to use with FR-12?

We recommend a mix of 70% mineral oil to 30% polyolester oil (POE) known in the trade as Ester Oil. Ester oil is widely used for R-134a systems and every mechanic has it in stock.

Why is Polyolester (POE) Ester oil needed?

POE mixes well with the R134a component of the FR-12. The POE together with the mineral oil already in the system, results in up to four times greater oil circulation rates, better lubrication and enhanced compressor durability.

Is POE Ester oil compatible with mineral oil?

Yes, the two types of oil can be mixed and are compatible.

Why should I charge FR-12 as a liquid?

FR-12 is a blend and must be charged as a liquid to ensure the proper composition enters the system. FR-12 (25#) disposable cylinders or 9.6 oz cans must be turned up-side down for liquid charge.

Can I use the sight glass for charging with FR-12?

No, the sight glass is not a reliable method for indicating proper charge level. Bubbles may appear in the sight glass when cycling on, change of load or ambient conditions and control settings. We recommend charging by weight as well as by performance.

Can you use FR-12 in a R-34a system?

Yes. Any R134a vehicle can gain better cooling and lower head pressures by simply recovering the R-134a and charging with FR-12. If an R-12 vehicle has been charged with R-134a and the cooling is unsatisfactory, recover the R-134a and charge the system with FR-12. Vent temperature will be 6-10 degrees F lower with lower head pressures.

What pressures and temperatures should I expect to see on a car charged with FR-12?

Generally the low side pressure will be between 2-8 psig lower than R-12 at the same ambient conditions. Clutch Cycle Orifice Tube (CCOT) type systems will be on the lower side of this range while TXV type systems will be on the higher end of this range. The high side pressure will normally be slightly lower than R-12 at the same ambient conditions.

Are there different installation procedures for buses, agricultural equipment, and aircraft?

Yes. A number of specialized installation procedures are suggested. Please contact our tech support team at 800-406-2292.

What should the A/C system and blower speed be set at when comparing vent temperatures?

The A/C system should be set on “Max” and/or “Recirculate” and the blower should be set on high. Readings should be taken before and after the conversion for comparison. Typically FR-12 will be within a couple of degrees F ± of that recorded with R-12.

I am working on GM or Ford vehicles with factory A/C; it cools but the clutch cycles before reaching a comfortable temperature. What are probable causes?

The problem is probably the clutch cycling pressure switch (CCPS) needs to be adjusted for FR-12 refrigerant pressures. Remove blower wire or run on low speed, turn the adjustment screw located between the spade terminals on the switch, counter clockwise (CCW) between 1/2 to 7/8 of a turn, until the compressor cycles off at approximately 18 psig.

The vehicle I am working on has a non-adjustable clutch cycling pressure switch. What can I do?

You can remove the switch and install an adjustable switch in its place. Set at approx. 18 psig to cut-out.

After adapting to FR-12, the vehicle I am working on had a clogged up expansion valve. Why?

On some vehicles, when the old refrigerant is removed and refilled with a new refrigerant and oil, the new mixture can act like a flush in the system. If the system is old and dirty internally, this can clog the expansion valve as well as the receiver drier. Sometimes this is due to a breakdown of the desiccant bag in the drier or metal carried over from a compressor failure. To remedy this condition we recommend removing the compressor, expansion valve and receiver drier and flush the system. Check the condition of the compressor and reuse or replace, install a new receiver drier, and if the TXV can’t be cleaned, replace it also.

The engine overheats when I turn the A/C on. Is the FR-12 causing this problem?

No, this is probably an indication of another problem. Check the cooling system for problems, such as a restricted airflow to or from the radiator, bad or inoperative fan clutch, loose belts, broken/missing shroud or faulty water pump. The heat rejection from the A/C condenser should not be any greater with FR-12 than with R-