What is R12a? Anyone using it?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
What is R12a? Anyone using it?
I thought R12 was restricted to like, NASA scientists or something.. But I was looking on Amazon and saw R12a. It is billed as a direct replacement.
Is it any good? Anyone use it?
I know the R134 is popular now, but the molecule is smaller and it can cause leaks in cases where R12 would not. (I'm told hoses can become permeable and such if they aren't tip, top perfect.)
Is there a downside to the R12a and maybe that is why I'm not hearing everyone talking about using it to replace R12?
Any help is welcome.. I'm lost on these things.
Is it any good? Anyone use it?
I know the R134 is popular now, but the molecule is smaller and it can cause leaks in cases where R12 would not. (I'm told hoses can become permeable and such if they aren't tip, top perfect.)
Is there a downside to the R12a and maybe that is why I'm not hearing everyone talking about using it to replace R12?
Any help is welcome.. I'm lost on these things.
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
What year is your car?
If your system was designed for R12, you can use it with no issue. If your system was designed for 134, then use that.
Some systems were originally R12 and then were converted to use 134. The conversions work reasonably well, bu not as good with the R12.
If your system was designed for R12, you can use it with no issue. If your system was designed for 134, then use that.
Some systems were originally R12 and then were converted to use 134. The conversions work reasonably well, bu not as good with the R12.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
What year is your car?
If your system was designed for R12, you can use it with no issue. If your system was designed for 134, then use that.
Some systems were originally R12 and then were converted to use 134. The conversions work reasonably well, bu not as good with the R12.
If your system was designed for R12, you can use it with no issue. If your system was designed for 134, then use that.
Some systems were originally R12 and then were converted to use 134. The conversions work reasonably well, bu not as good with the R12.
Someone mentioned one of these replacements being highly flammable. Is this the one? Is there a downside to it? Because all I see people doing with the old systems is converting them to 134, and often at considerable expense.
Why are they doing that if R12a is a direct replacement? Anyone?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
I thought R12 was restricted to like, NASA scientists or something.. But I was looking on Amazon and saw R12a. It is billed as a direct replacement.
Is it any good? Anyone use it?
I know the R134 is popular now, but the molecule is smaller and it can cause leaks in cases where R12 would not. (I'm told hoses can become permeable and such if they aren't tip, top perfect.)
Is there a downside to the R12a and maybe that is why I'm not hearing everyone talking about using it to replace R12?
Any help is welcome.. I'm lost on these things.
Is it any good? Anyone use it?
I know the R134 is popular now, but the molecule is smaller and it can cause leaks in cases where R12 would not. (I'm told hoses can become permeable and such if they aren't tip, top perfect.)
Is there a downside to the R12a and maybe that is why I'm not hearing everyone talking about using it to replace R12?
Any help is welcome.. I'm lost on these things.
R12 is just R12, not sure why the "a" is there.
R134A can be used however you will need the quick connect R134A fittings so everyone will know right away what refrigerant it has, they are cheap on ebay and screw right on to the standard R12 fittings.
R134A will need barrier type hoses, try your originals first they may be ok.
Empty all the oil from your compressor, replace with ESTER oil which is for R12 to R134A conversions. Good idea to replace all the rubber O rings To the new green / blue neoprene ones unless your system does not leak.
Replace the receiver drier, evacuate the system and charge to 80% of R12 charge with R134A.
Have done my 85 more than 10 years ago, no leaks all standard apart from new hoses and neoprene o rings.
She has nice cold a/c
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
R12a is a "drop in" replacement for R12, but IS NOT the same. It is a mix if different refrigerants (sometimes propane, hence the flammable concern) that will work in a system designed for R12. If your system just needs a top off charge of a few oz. the R12a would be OK, but if your system is "flat" and has 0 psi standing pressure I would find and repair the leaks then find a shop that can charge your system with R12.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
Another thought to keep in mind is what happens if your vehicle is involved in an accident. The A/C condenser sits right in front of the radiator and contains high pressure refrigerant vapor and liquid. If the condenser is ruptured in a frontal collision (which it often is), high pressure flammable vapor will be released, almost guaranteeing an underhood fire!
Do you really want to risk your life or the lives of your passengers by using a cheap flammable refrigerant in your vehicle's air conditioning system? R-134a is the only refrigerant that should be used when recharging a late model automotive A/C system.
EPA SNAP Rules on Flammable Refrigerants
The US EPA SNAP regulations do NOT allow the use of flammable refrigerants in vehicles.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/flamma...frigerants.htm
Do you really want to risk your life or the lives of your passengers by using a cheap flammable refrigerant in your vehicle's air conditioning system? R-134a is the only refrigerant that should be used when recharging a late model automotive A/C system.
EPA SNAP Rules on Flammable Refrigerants
The US EPA SNAP regulations do NOT allow the use of flammable refrigerants in vehicles.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/flamma...frigerants.htm
Think I'll just do the R134 after all.
