Have I Got A Deal For You

Contaminated refrigerant is everyone's problem. Technical Editor Jacques Gordon reports on bargain-priced, imported refrigerant that isn't as clean as it claims to be.

Jacques Gordon

Jan. 1, 2020

Photo illustration: Michael Stassus. Graphics source: Getty ImagesContaminated refrigerant is everybody's problem. We all know it's a good idea to identify the refrigerant in an A/C system before connecting a recovery/recycle machine to the car. But have you ever thought about connecting your identifier to a brand new factory-fresh 30-pound cylinder? Since the first time a shortage of R-134a drove up prices, bargain-priced refrigerant from overseas has been imported in bulk and in 30-pound cylinders, and some of it is contaminated in ways that are difficult or impossible to detect. We learned about some new problems being caused by this through anecdotal (undocumented) evidence gathered at the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide convention last January. A closer look has led us to some hard evidence that's positively frightening. Understanding the situation can help you safeguard your equipment, your good reputation, your customers' cars and the nation's supply of refrigerant.

Here is a counterfeit cylinder with CFC 12 inside that was discovered in Georgia. The only way to tell if refrigerant is counterfeit is to test the gas inside, and an unscrupulous manufacturer can easily slip the gas into any tank.
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About the Author

Jacques Gordon

Former Technical Editor Jacques Gordon joined the Motor Age team in April 1998 with almost 30 years of automotive experience. He worked for 10 years in dealerships and independent repair shops, specializing in European cars. He later moved to a dyno-lab environment with companies such as Fel-Pro, Robert Bosch, and Johnson-Matthey Catalyst Systems Division. From there, Jacques joined Chilton Book Co, writing diagnostic and repair procedures before joining Motor Age.