*Searched but looking for more insight*

So summer is close and I need to recharge the AC in my CRX. Ive been doing lots of research and have come down to three choices: refill with expensive R12, convert to r134a, or try Duracool (R-12a). I know R134a isnt as cold as r12, but r12 is not only hard to get, its also expensive. Ive also heard of many people having problems with the r134a with leaks and frozen compressors. Duracool is hydrocarbon based and many people say the stuff is dangerous.
Obviously my rex has a leak somewhere which needs to be fixed before refilling. Im leaning more towards r12 at this point. Any insights of what you all are running? What is the most practical refrigerant r12, r134a, or r12a?

 

The reason people have problems with R134a is that the compressor, as well as evaporator and condensder aren't tuned to match it's charateristics. So it doesn't work the same as R12. Hydrocarbon based refrigerant should be perfectly fine as long as you dont develop a leak.

The AC system is purged to hard vaccum several times before being filled with the refrigerant so there is pretty much no oxygen for it to burn in. It can be a safety issue if you get in a crash and the AC system ruptures. But their website indicates that its pretty safe, with a high ingition temperature, and if it actually caught on fire it would only last a couple seconds before running out. You still have to retrofit your system to R134a, and use some real R12 if you use Duracool. I think if I had a choice, I would prefer to have R12.

Janos