R134a vs R-12
Thread Starter
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,666
Likes: 7,300
From: CT
R134a vs R-12
Does R-12 outperform R-134a?
If we could source some would it run in a C5 without issue?
I miss the absolutely ICE COLD blower vents I remember from my youth.
If we could source some would it run in a C5 without issue?
I miss the absolutely ICE COLD blower vents I remember from my youth.
Thread Starter
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,666
Likes: 7,300
From: CT
Never be cold you mean. PNW is always warm even in winter compared to my Nor'easter experiences.
My work range on the farm in 06278 was -72F with wind chill in -15F weather up to 128F in the hay loft in 93F weather.
But winter up here lasts January through March. Summer is late June through mid August. The rest of our year is mid range weather and entirely too many grey months from mid October when the leaves fall through mid April when the leaves pop again.
My work range on the farm in 06278 was -72F with wind chill in -15F weather up to 128F in the hay loft in 93F weather.
But winter up here lasts January through March. Summer is late June through mid August. The rest of our year is mid range weather and entirely too many grey months from mid October when the leaves fall through mid April when the leaves pop again.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 420
From: Taildragers rule! USA1
Just ask Dr Google:
""""No, R22 and R134a are not compatible and should not be mixed in the same system. R22 is an older refrigerant that used mineral oil, while R134a uses POE (polyolester) oil. Mixing the two can damage the system, cause compressor failure, and ruin the refrigerant charge. They also have different pressure ratings and volumetric capacity. """"
""""No, R22 and R134a are not compatible and should not be mixed in the same system. R22 is an older refrigerant that used mineral oil, while R134a uses POE (polyolester) oil. Mixing the two can damage the system, cause compressor failure, and ruin the refrigerant charge. They also have different pressure ratings and volumetric capacity. """"
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 50
Likes: 23
From: Lancaster, KY
You don't want to switch to an obsolete refrigerant like R-12 because it is way too expensive. I kept my R-12 system in my street rod as long as I could but after I used my last little can it was just too expensive to continue. I switched to a 134 system and never looked back, and it was as cold as my tired old R-12 system. I recommend you start buying small cans of R-134 since I've noticed the price has almost doubled in the last couple of years. If your A/C isn't as cold as you like it might need to be serviced.
Thread Starter
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,666
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From: CT
I don't actually know either car currently. The Z06 has sat and I am now changing the compressor to fit the turbos. And the other car I have to replace a belt and battery and get it on the road again before I can find out since it is new to me.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: Rockledge, FL
I wouldn't even think about going backward with a refrigerant. R-134 is a perfectly fine refrigerant but it is sensitive to the proper charge. How are you adding it and how much are you putting into the system?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
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From: North Coast
Yes R12 is and was the better refrigerant. But you can’t go back.
Also while R12 can be found it is very expensive and most shops don’t even have the equipment to refill it.
My 1985 Pontiac is still in the original R12. It has never needed recharged. Must be a record. But I will change it over when I have to. It was still 46 degrees at the vent. But I know the time is coming.
Many Today forgot or never knew how good old AC was.
Also while R12 can be found it is very expensive and most shops don’t even have the equipment to refill it.
My 1985 Pontiac is still in the original R12. It has never needed recharged. Must be a record. But I will change it over when I have to. It was still 46 degrees at the vent. But I know the time is coming.
Many Today forgot or never knew how good old AC was.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 38
Likes: 18
From: Sparta WI
I work with commercial chillers and I can tell you that R-134a is being phased out and is about to get extremely expensive( $50-60 per lb.). We cannot use it after December 2025. It is being replaced with mildly flammable A2L refrigerants specifically R-454B for commercial units. You will probably see the 1234-ze which is also a similar blend to 134a. Interesting that the market started with essentially straight propane (r-290) and everyone got scared of explosion's so they went to less efficient but more "green" refrigerants. Now we are seeing the market move back to mildly flammable refrigerants with R&D being done on straight R-290 compressors again.