Propane instead of r-12

[BrianB]

Welcome Steveo. It's good to have you aboard. One thing to remember about explosive gases/explosive in general is the packaging. You accidentally ground out your compressor and it's filled with straight propane / R209 and you just set off a very nice fragmentation bomb!! Do the same with R-12 or any other "noramally used refrigerant" and your compressor just bites the dust with some wheezing.

Sure, you have 6-8 oz of butane sitting around your house, so do I (maybe not that exact quantity) but;

likelyhood of accidental/negligent explosion = Not very likely.

All of these items are DESIGNED to carry/operate with and dispense the liquid/gas that they carry. Same goes with gas tanks and natural gas valves/lines and Refrigeration Compressors. (Specifically the guy's compressor from the afore mentioned website)

Sure the oil is flammable in it's vapor state, but, remember that you also need an ignition source to light off the vapor. If a Soda Pop machine refrigeration system "springs a leak" you'd actually be pretty safe unless you are on your back with your head inside the refrigeration compartment smoking a ciggy with your lighter lit.

Pretty safe bet that using propane in a thrown together system is tempting fate and proving Darwin right!! '>

Agreed - everything we do carries a risk, but no need to elevate the risk beyond what is necessary.  I've stuck with R-134 in my automobiles for that reason.  I've heard that the company that originally tried to market it for automobiles was working on blending it with some additive that would inhibit combustion, but I don't think they have found anything yet.

 I bought a hard start kit for my V-63, that seems to have brought the thing back to life - I'm not sure how much life the compressor has left in it, but I will have cold drinks in it this weekend (first time in over a year).  

Off topic question - these units were originally designed to be ok outside in the elements?  I noticed a distinct lack of grounding in my unit - is that true for most?  I was going to rewire the compressor deck while I have it out (the insulation is rather hard) and add some real grounding to it - does that seem feasible?

Thanks

Steve