[mattdavis11]

We shall see how good the Dupont/Honeywell lobby really is. Just wait until you need to buy HFO1234YF for the shop! BTW, it's flammable, and is already mandated in the EU.

As far as using 134a in place of R-12 these days, it doesn't matter much if you know what you are doing. 134a will ice up an evaporator just the same as R-12, and a good a/c guy can make any system blow popsicles. When the compressor cycles off and the vent temps are 29 degrees, that's as cold as the system is ever going to get no matter what refrigerant you have.

The problem with 134a in originally designed R-12 vehicles is higher head pressures, thus higher low pressures and higher vent temps when comparing the two refrigerants. Traffic lights are not your friend with 134a. One thing to combat that is to get a better condenser, say a parallel flow micro tube condenser, another is a better fan for it. Tube and fin condensers are now inferior, but they can still be cleaned, unlike the aforementioned condenser. Not the outside, but rather I mean you will have to replace it when catastrophic failure occurs, as you can not clean the inside of the new style condensers.

Anyway, I did not see Maxifrig on Scott's list, and I know it's flammable, and I know they advertise to shops in Texas at $79 per 30lbs. A few I have talked with say it's awesome, they love it. Never played with it myself.

Prices on refrigerant? It's BS, but then again, demand is high and will remain high until it gets to a point where fixing the system correctly so it doesn't leak, happens. Basically the DIY'er who blows 3 cans into a 2 lb system, like the OP, without fixing the leak suddenly gets priced or legislated out of trying anymore. That is complete BS, but mobile AC now days is not was it once was, and I confront shops whether they have technicians or parts re-placers all the time. It isn't looking pretty for the shade tree a/c mechanic anymore. You better know your stuff or you'll get bit hard. FYI, 134a cans are typically 12oz, 16oz equals a pound when dealing with a/c.