Is R134a available to buy in the UK anymore?

[daifu]

Hi, can R134a without additives still be bought in the UK?

I need to evacuate and refill my Frigoboat ROMA fridge as I'm pretty sure there's moisture in the system.

The refrigerant flow is getting blocked once the evaporator is down to around -12C (and suction pressure drops to a vacuum), but starts flowing again when it warms up (and suction pressure increases to ~ 10psi).

However, its a 25 year old fridge and don't want to spend a fortune on it - especially if I can't get the gas anymore.

Any help much appreciated
Dave

[Zanshin]

The car A/C refill canisters freely available in Europe are R134a (check Amazon) and I wouldn't know why that would be different in the U.K.

But it might be restricted to "professional" purchasers and not sold over-the-counter anymore.

[daifu]

Thanks zanshin, I think you are right about the 'restricted to professionals' i.e. have a certificate.

I had a quick look on amazon and they all seem to have additives/leak blocker - which I understand is big no no.
Either that, or they are r134a 'alternatives' but I can't work out what they are in order to check they will work

It feels like its going to be ice bags at the bottom of the fridge for a while!

[Zanshin]

While in the USA, Amazon delivered a pressure-kit to me and a local auto shop sold me a R134a canister and I revived my fridge and freezer. I have to admit that I never checked for additives in the aerosol cans...

[nieamm]

Aug 4, 2023 15:26:25 GMT Zanshin said:

While in the USA, Amazon delivered a pressure-kit to me and a local auto shop sold me a R134a canister and I revived my fridge and freezer. I have to admit that I never checked for additives in the aerosol cans...

Hi Zanshin
Do you have an Amazon item number for the kit, as I am having issues with my freezer, and need to check pressure and potentially refill.

[Zanshin]

I bought the pressure measurement kit at an auto parts store in the USA, but this a link to the amazon page. Whenever I type amazon.dk to check, even in a private browser, I get redirected to the German site.

The kit works, but is cheaply built. I didn't have time when I got mine, I might check eBay for a used commercial kit if I were you.

[nieamm]

Aug 5, 2023 9:55:11 GMT Zanshin said:

I bought the pressure measurement kit at an auto parts store in the USA, but this a link to the amazon page. Whenever I type amazon.dk to check, even in a private browser, I get redirected to the German site.

The kit works, but is cheaply built. I didn't have time when I got mine, I might check eBay for a used commercial kit if I were you.

Hi Zanshin

Thanks, I have ordered the kit, as I am only going to use it very lightly, I will for now settle for this😊.
Yes Amazon has not yet conquered Danmark 😂, guess the $ aren't there yet.
Anyway I will see how it works.