FJC Inc

Should I Save Money and Use a Propane or Butane Refrigerant in My Auto A/C?

Short answer:  No. Long answer:  There is a reason FJC has never sold propane, ammonia, butane, or blends of them to use as refrigerants—because they are not safe.  Propane , Butane, and Ammonia are highly flammable hydrocarbons.  Here are several reasons  to NEVER use flammable refrigerants in your vehicle: They’re illegal under the EPA’s 2017 Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Policy: “The SNAP program evaluates and lists substitutes that reduce overall risk to human health

How Much Refrigerant is the Right Amount to Add?

A question we hear often is, “How do I know how much refrigerant to add to my car’s A/C?” Stated simply, it depends. (1) It depends on the car. Most cars will hold between 28 and 32 ounces of refrigerant (or about 2-3 12oz cans), however larger vehicles and those with rear A/C will likely hold more. Check your vehicle manual for proper system capacities. Remember that you will most likely have some refrigerant left

HNBR O-rings

O-rings are common seals used in many industrial applications.  There is a wide range of materials from which O-rings can be made, and that material affects the way a particular o-ring will function.  Some materials are more durable, others more elastic.  Some can withstand high temperatures and others are more tear-resistant. Because of their low cost, ease of production and installation, flexibility  and resistance to pressure, O-rings have found their way into air conditioning systems

Go With the Flow: A/C Expansion Valves and Orifice Tubes

Expansion Valves:  The expansion valve is a complex valve which regulates refrigerant flow at the evaporator inlet with an internal  moving rod mechanism.  This rod opens and closes to differing heights based upon the cooling burden put upon the system.  This process of metering modulates the flow according to the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator coil.  Too much refrigerant could cause the evaporator to get too cold and even freeze up the coils. 

Going Green: Environmental Impact of MVAC Refrigerants

Refrigerants are substances that are used in an A/C cycle to cool the car cabin. They are responsible for capturing heat and releasing it to another area by using the thermodynamic phenomena of phase changes wherein fluid continually changes into vapor and back to a liquid.  Environmental aspects are increasingly being taken into consideration by OEMs in refrigerant choice. Refrigerants are therefore ranked according to their impact as greenhouse gases (the Global Warming Potential, GWP)

Beyond “Straight Refrigerants” – R-134a with Additives

FJC offers a complete line of refrigerants for automotive applications.  In sizes ranging from 3 oz to 22 oz,  the FJC Signature Series offers premium R-134a refrigerant with a gamut of additives for the specific needs of your system.   Additives may include lubricant (oil), red or UV dye, stop leak, Extreme Cold, and extra wear protection additives.  Sorting through the choices need not be confusing, so we will break it down here: R-134a with Dye—Since

4 Common Automotive Air Conditioning Problems, and How to Fix Them

MUSTY OR DIRTY AIR COMES THROUGH DASHBOARD VENTS A musty odor, or dirty air coming through the dashboard A/C vents and into the cabin is likely caused by a dirty or moldy A/C evaporator drain hose.  As a first line of defense, FJC has two simple products designed to remedy this issue.  Part # 5909 is our Evaporator Odor Control, and Part # 5914 is our Foaming Evaporator Cleaner.   If, however, the odor returns you

Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosy? Not for R-1234yf!

“Righty, tighty Lefty loosy.” is a common axiom to help remember which direction tightens and which direction loosens a screw, nut, bolt, etc. To  tighten, you must turn it to the right (clockwise).  To loosen it, therefore, you turn it to the left (counter-clockwise).  The adage works ALMOST all of the time….except when there is a “reverse” (or left-handed) thread. Reverse threading is often used in rotating machinery where the natural motion might cause a

A Tutorial Guide to Manifold Gauges

Before servicing a vehicle, confirm system refrigerant type.  Cross contamination of refrigerants can cause damage to A/C system, service tools and equipment.  GENERAL MANIFOLD INFORMATION: The right (red) side of the manifold is the high side and the red gauge is the high pressure gauge.  The left (blue) side of the manifold is the low side and the blue gauge is the vacuum/pressure gauge.  Separate passages from the low and high side fittings to their

R-1234yf Market Information for 2020

Environmental Property Comparison In the wake of increased global environmental regulation, R-1234yf has been introduced to exceed both United States EPA and European F-Gas phase-out guidelines for high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants.  R-1234yf has become the industry standard refrigerant to replace R-134a globally for environmental reasons.  R-1234yf has an atmospheric life expectancy of 11 days, which translates into a Global Warming Potential  rating of less than 1.  By contrast, R-134a has an atmospheric life

Compressor Failure? Flush that System!

When an automotive A/C compressor failure occurs, it’s best practice to flush out the system before installing the new compressor. Many times when a compressor fails it sends small metal particles throughout the A/C system.  These particles can clog up passages in the system and cause problems after you’ve replaced the failed compressor.  Even tiny particles can cause big problems with the system.  In fact, it takes less than 1/10th of a tsp of debris

Pressure Test a Radiator and Radiator Cap

As the coolant in your cooling system increases in temperature, the pressure in the system also increases. Normal operating temperature of a cooling system is around 220 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly higher than the boiling point of water.  The pressure of a cooling system is controlled by the radiator cap which generally holds the pressure of the system between 6-16 PSI and keeps the temperature in check. FJC Radiator and Radiator Cap Test Kits

World Refrigeration Day—June 26

Every June 26, industry trade associations around the world come together to celebrate World Refrigeration Day.  This global awareness initiative has been established to highlight and celebrate the significant contributions by the refrigeration industry to the health, food and comfort of the modern international citizenry. Moving forward, June 26 will serve as a day to raise awareness of the important improvements the industry provides towards the preservation and distribution of perishable foods and medicines, as

FJC’s Stop Leak Named “2019 TOP 10” A/C Leak Stopper

At FJC we know when we’ve got a good thing….but it’s not every day that an independent researcher validates that knowledge by choosing one of our products as a “Top 10” on the market for its category. But that’s exactly what happened. Ezvid Wiki spent 26 hours researching, video recording and editing to help determine the top A/C Leak Stoppers on the  market.  Their determination?  FJC’s R-134a Stop Leak (Part # 9140) was named the

Power Inverter Guide

A power inverter is a device that converts low-voltage Direct Current (DC) power to standard household Alternating Current (AC) power.   The inverter does not produce any power on its own, rather it is provided by the DC source.  An Inverter allows you to operate household appliances and electrical equipment using the power produced by a car, truck or boat battery or even renewable energy sources. They be used to power portable hand-held tools, TVs, lights,

Why Won’t My Old Dispensing Equipment Work on My New Refrigerant Cans?

If you haven’t had to recharge your automotive A/C in a while, you might be surprised to notice that your old can taps, hose and gauges, and other dispensing equipment don’t work on your new refrigerant can.  No, this is not a plot by the A/C industry to force you to make additional purchases….in fact, the reason behind the design change is actually for the betterment of our environment, to conserve product, and to save

Quality Control Program: Refrigerants

Quality assurance:  FJC’s is unmatched.   In house testing provides consistently exceptional results for our refrigerants for purity, moisture, acidity and non-condensable gases.  You can be confident our refrigerants meet or exceed AHRI 700 specifications.  In fact, we guarantee it. Moisture testing Conducted using a Karl Fischer titration. A sample is taken from tank and introduced to a titration cell and electricity is used to perform an oxidation reaction and introduce iodine into the cell. The

Find Your Low Side Service (Charging) Port

An automotive air conditioning system is a closed loop.  As the refrigerant moves through the system it is subject to pressure variations.  This pressure changes the phase of the refrigerant from liquid to gas and back again.  As these phase changes occur, the temperature also changes, heat is released, and “air conditioning is made”.   Because of this,  one side of the system is always “high pressure”, and the other is “low pressure”.  It is important

FJC Refrigerant Cans

Top quality refrigerants demand top quality cans! All FJC refrigerant cans are produced in the USA by  the world’s leading manufacturer of two-piece steel containers.  Our supplier focuses solely on automotive and industrial refrigerants, specialty chemicals, and both high-and low-pressure gas applications.   That specialization shows in the quality and safety of their cans, especially when contrasted against the less-expensive Chinese-produced cans used by some other companies. You may have noticed the patented pressure relief trademark

FJC Introduces New Professional USB Rechargeable Work Light with UV Leak Detection

New for 2019 is FJC’s Multi-Function Work Light.  This impact-resistant and waterproof gadget offers the latest in technology and convenience.  Its COB (chip on board) technology means the LED chip is built directly into the circuit board eliminating the need for additional packaging and increasing efficiency.  It provides three powerful lighting modes:  low LED, high LED and extreme UV light detection and the 120 degree beam provides larger coverage, maximizing the illumination distance up to

 A Layman’s Guide to Automotive A/C

Automotive air conditioning is a self-contained system which cools the cabin of a car by changing the phase of  refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again by applying and releasing pressure on it. Each of the parts of the system is connected by tubing or hoses to form a closed loop through which the refrigerant flows.  Since this is a continuous circle, there’s no specific start or end point; everything occurs simultaneously. However, we

FJC Power Division

Did you know FJC is more than just Air Conditioning products?  The FJC Power Division is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of power electronic products and systems for mobile markets including battery testers, chargers and maintainers, power inverters, booster cables, and the appropriate tools for working with them. The FJC Power Division was instituted to fill the need for high-quality battery and radiator accessories.  With a passion for quality and performance, FJC offers cutting-edge products

Coolant? Refrigerant? What’s the Difference?

When you’re in the A/C business (like we are) the distinction between coolants (antifreeze) and refrigerants is abundantly clear.  However, so many people ask us to distinguish between them that we’ve decided to set the record straight once and for all. While both systems utilize aspects of heat transfer, and both are involved in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) of a vehicle, the differences between coolant and refrigerant are significant. Let’s take a look:

Understanding the Differences Between A/C Compressor Oils

Choosing the correct lubricant for your Air Conditioning system can be confusing. The move to  more eco-friendly refrigerants and more stringent vehicle engineering standards has led to a number of regulations to manufacturer requirements for A/C compressor oils over the past two decades.  For that reason, we always recommend that you contact the manufacturer to ensure that the correct lubricant is used to avoid damaging the system. MINERAL OIL Up until the early 1990s, mineral

10 Easy Ways to make your Car Smell Fresher

There are some car odors which are indicative of a mechanical issue that needs your attention.  For example, a burned rubber smell may indicate that your brakes or clutch need attention,  a burning oil smell may indicate an oil leak, and a strong, sulfur smell may indicate a problem with the catalytic converter. But if your car simply smells musty, “lived in”, or a bit like your son’s long forgotten soccer cleats no one’s seen

12 Ways to Keep Your Child COOL in the Car Seat

You never want your little one to be too hot!  If your baby is overheating a number of things may happen.  At the very least he will be uncomfortable, his sleep may suffer, and he may get heat rash, but there are also other more serious complications.   So now, before summer approaches, we’ve compiled ten tips (some of which you can prepare for now) to ensure your child stays as cool as possible in his

Great Gifts for Car Lovers

Spring is in the air, and with it are thoughts of renewal—sunshine, flowers, emerging leaves……and for some of us, cars.  That’s right, Spring is the time car enthusiasts get to wash the memories of winter from their car and make it new again.  For lovers of automobiles, spring includes plans of washing a car in the driveway, driving with the windows down, and getting back to the thrill of driving on streets devoid of ice

Tips for Charging Automotive Air Conditioners

Most people assume if their A/C is blowing warm that they are low on refrigerant. However, this is not always the case. Therefore, when charging A/C systems it is recommended to evacuate the system before adding refrigerant. This is because one of the most important factors in the performance of an A/C is the amount of refrigerant charge. When the system is low the compressor will most likely cycle on and off, because of a

Manifold Gauge Set Q & A

Manifold Gauge Set Q & A What is an A/C manifold gauge set? An A/C manifold gauge set is a service tool which enables techs to keep a close eye on the pressure in an air conditioning system and regulate the refrigerant pressure flow. It is used to diagnose and correct an air conditioning unit that is not cooling properly. The red side of the gauge set is the high-pressure chamber, the blue side is

New and Innovative Products for the Automotive Aftermarket Air Conditioning Market

FJC is on the forefront of many exciting innovations in the automotive aftermarket air conditioning market. We have integrated the ideas of the most forward-thinking people in our industry to create new products, and improve existing products, to better meet the changing needs of the automobile A/C industry. In this post we will highlight a few of these innovative tools. We are proud to debut the handy R-134a and R-1234yf Refrigerant Check Gauges. These convenient

Essential Things to Understand Before Buying Booster Cables

At FJC we understand that all booster cables are not the same.   So don’t  grab those cables from the bargain bin just yet!  First be sure read this informative blog before making that well-intentioned impulse purchase. Learn about important considerations for this handy tool and,  of course,  always be sure to closely follow instructions and all safety rules before using them. Gauge The term “Heavy Duty” as it applies to booster cables can be deceiving. 

Is There Value in Attending an Automotive Aftermarket Trade Show?

It’s tough to get away from the daily grind sometimes, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beneficial to our careers.  We all know Trade Shows are great places to network and meet up with potential clients and vendors.  However, many shows also offer a unique opportunity to learn and grow as an automotive professional. Even more than usual, the automotive aftermarket is undergoing significant evolution.  Trade Shows are one way to keep yourself abreast of

Mobile A/C Leak Detection and Repair

Diagnosing an automotive A/C system that is not blowing cold air takes a multi-faceted approach.   One of the most common problems causing a mobile A/C to blow warm, especially after a long winter or period of non-use, is a refrigerant leak.  But how exactly does one determine if this is the actual issue? (1) Always begin with a visual inspection.  Refrigerant escapes the system as a colorless and odorless gas, so it is not visually

Understanding California’s Proposition 65

In 1986, California voters approved an initiative to address their growing concerns about exposure to certain chemicals. That initiative became the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known as Proposition 65.   Proposition 65 requires the State of California to annually publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. Since its inception, this list has grown to include over 800 chemicals. Proposition 65

Maintaining Your Vehicle’s AC in the Winter

Winter is quickly approaching, and for many drivers that often means several months without running their car air conditioning.  However, operating the AC in your vehicle during these colder months can actually prolong the life of your vehicle’s system and, even more importantly, help keep you safer on the road.  Your car’s air conditioner does more than just blow cold air on hot days, it is also responsible for removing humidity from the air.  Humidity

What’s behind the Switch to R-1234yf and what Exactly Does it Mean for Techs?

Many techs have not yet had much experience with R-1234yf refrigerant. That’s because it was only introduced in 2015, and most vehicles with yf systems have not yet needed servicing . In the coming years, however, you will expect to see a steady increase in the number of yf systems coming in for service, and so it’s important to understand exactly what you you’ll be dealing with, and how we got here. R-134a was originally

Understanding EPA-Mandated Self-Sealing Refrigerant Cans and Dispensing Equipment

Moving forward at FJC we will be shipping only self-sealing cans which, due to an EPA-mandated design change, necessitate the use of new dispensing equipment. Please refer to the following to determine the appropriate part number for use with the new can style:’ As mandated by Section 608 of the EPA Clean Air Act, all FJC R-134arefrigerant products produced in 2018 are equipped with self-sealing valves which remain closed when the recharge hose is removed.

The History of Automotive Air Conditioning

Although it may not always seem like it (traffic anyone?) we sure are lucky to be drivers in 2019 when air conditioning comes standard on nearly every car sold in the US…..but it wasn’t always that way! Throughout much of the automobile’s history, air conditioning was either an overheated-driver’s dream or later, an enviable cutting-edge luxury. Believe it or not, the automotive air conditioners we all take for granted today are the result of a

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FJC http://cyclinderPOWER DIVISION Battery Chargers Power Inverters Booster Cables Booster Cable Retail Displays Power Division Retail  Battery Tools and Accessories REFRIGERANT ACCESSORIES Charging Kits Cylinder Heater Refrigerant Charging Hoses Hoses with Gauges Can Taps R-134a Service Couplers Conversion Products R-12 Accessories Refrigerant Scale Vacuum Pumps Recovery Equipment Products Stop Leak Manifold Gauge Sets Refrigerant Checker LUBRICANTS/DYES/FLUSHES Oils Oil and Dye Injectors A/C Flushes, Cleaners, Odor Control A/C Flush Accessories and Assortments Dyes Leak Detection Accessories