Mixing R12 and R134

[cp1969]

Didn't want to put this under Parts and Repairs because it isn't tractor related.

We have an old beater '93 Taurus, aka 'Archie'. Nearly everything has broken on Arch EXCEPT the air conditioner which, until this summer, always worked flawlessly. This summer, it barely emitted any cool air at all which meant to me it needed a boost of R12.

I have a set of R12 gages and was trying to find some *reasonably* priced R12. With the temperature pushing 100F, I was apparently taking too long to do this. Wife comes home yesterday, beaming. "I got the a/c in Archie fixed! I gave a guy $40 and he put in two cans...had to buy an adapter, though." I asked where he got the two cans, and 'NAPA' was the answer.

To make a short story long, the a/c does work. I am about 101% sure Archie now has a mix of refrigerants (what would it be...R123?) swirling through his 14 year old a/c system.

But...it works.

Any predictions as to what's going to happen now?

 

[Ifixcars]

I start with an empty system before filling whenever possible. That way I know exactly how much I'm putting in. When changing to 134 from 12, I use a little less 134 then the 12 spec, then add a few ounces of ester oil. The 134 doesn't carry the R12 oil, so your compressor will eventually fail, but who knows when? Also, the 134 tends to leak faster if you have a leak. As long as you are cool, enjoy.

 

[art]

As stated a little bit will get you by but to much causes trouble.

 

[dbdartman]

There are also R-12 replacements that could have been added. A popular one (& what I use) is called "Freeze-12" & can be added to R-12. If you post a pic of the adapter on the system, I can tell you if it's a Freeze-12 adapter or not (should have a blue cap I believe).

 

[cp1969]

I didn't get to see it, dartman, so I have no idea of what was used. I'm just guessing on the R134 as that was the only thing I was aware of that uncertified people could buy. I wish I would have known about the R12 replacement stuff.

 

[irwin]

I run an auto repair shop. If a customer called and asked me if what you said was okay, I'd tell him " more than likely it's ok" but, if it has too much R134a in it (too much pressure) it could damage the compressor. However, this is a beater car right? Just see what happens, if the compressor loads the engine, bring it to a shop. If not drive til it doesn't cool again and do it properly. good luck.