1998 Air-Con Gas

gonzosquidgy · Mar 5, 2011

Has anyone else had this problem : I have just been to have my air-con gas checked as didn't seem to be quite as cold as my wife's car. They informed me that all was ok but the gas in a 1998 Porsche is actually now "illegal" as legislation had since changed. The gas used today is a lot colder than when my car was built. Although the gas is now illegal, it is fine for my particular car as it was ok at the time of build (much like an early car which did not require seatbelts). They tell me that to have the air-con gassed to today's standard, I would need to have all the system updated at a cost of several thousand pounds. Just a matter of living with a not-so-cold car in summer (if we get one this year). Is there a solution to this or has no-one else noticed? I suppose it's much like having an old refridgerator with (now illegal) gas in it - ok while it works but expensivce to put right when it doesn't. John

bobsan · Mar 5, 2011

see here: http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/316.aspx

chriscoates81 · Mar 5, 2011

This paragraph seems the most relevant

"HOWEVER, because of the problems and cost of converting from R12 to R134a, various refrigerant manufacturers produce a R12 "drop-in" replacement, the commonest (in my industry - rail vehicle air con) being R401a. British Oxygen (BOC) distribute DuPont refrigerants who have a R401a gas which goes by their (DuPont) product name of MP39. BOC have depots all over the country and all have trade counters where you can buy R401a/MP39 although I don't know if it is available in small aerosol size containers. Alternatively, look in the yellow pages for refrigeration part distributors (HRP, Dean & Woods, Refrigeration Spares Ltd, Kooltech.... there are loads around) and give them a ring and ask for a R12 drop-in replacement, they all have trade counters where you can purchase over the counter".

It sounds like it definatly possible.