Can You Mix R12 And R134a Refrigerant?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

R134a systems operate at higher discharge-side pressures than R12, which can cause seals to leak. Bottom line, R134a simply doesn't cool as well as R12. … The advantage of

ester oil

is that it works with both R12 as well as R134a, so you can fill the system with it and then use either refrigerant.

What refrigerant is compatible with R12?


R134a

is regarded, by manufacturers and adherents to the Montreal Protocols alike, as the best replacement refrigerant. R134a maintains much of the versatility as R12, but lacks Ozone depleting compounds and emits very little greenhouse gases.

Can you add R134a to a R12 system?

To be able to use R134a in an R12 system, the

R12 system needs to undergo a retrofitting

so that it's able to handle and process R134a refrigerant. This also means that some refrigerant conversion needs to be done in order to drop R134a into a R12 system.

Is it legal to buy R12 refrigerant?

It's often said that

buying or selling R12 is illegal

. That's not true either. Anyone selling R12 is required to verify that the buyer has an EPA Section 609 certification to work with mobile vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems. … Also, the EPA 609 certification can be easily obtained by taking an online exam.

Can you still recharge R12?


No you can not recharge an AC system equipped with R-12 unless you are a licensed technician

. You can convert your AC system to R-134 yourself, once the R-12 is dealt with correctly.

How much does it cost to convert R12 to R134a?

It will generally cost you

about $200

to have a mechanic convert an AC system for you. If you want to replace a vehicle's AC system, it will cost between $1,500 and $4,000 with an average cost of $2,750. If you decide to have a professional work on your car, you will have several options for where to get the work done.

How much is 134a in a R12 system?

Charge with 134a

between 70-80% of the original R12 charge amount

. Note: Hot gas valve will need to be adjusted during the charging process to properly adjust the low side by-pass pressure to 20psi. Replace any O-rings with 134a compatible.

Why did we stop using R12?

In conclusion folks R-12 Freon was

banned due to the damage that it caused to the Ozone layer

. The Chlorine found in CFC refrigerants like R-12 would not break down in the atmosphere when vented or leaked. The Chlorine would then erode the Ozone bit by bit.

How do I switch from R12 to R134a?

  1. Discard any R12 refrigerant still in the system by taking your vehicle to a licensed air-conditioning professional. …
  2. Open the engine compartment of your vehicle. …
  3. Push the high side retrofit R134a fitting over the old fitting and use a wrench to tighten it.

Can I use R12a in a R12 system?

Unlike R-134a,

HC-12a is completely compatible with the hoses and oils used

in R-12 systems, making the conversion much easier to accomplish. HC-12a is also patent-free due to its non-synthetic nature.

Can you mix R12a and R12?

Unfortunately I'm now out of R12, and this time I'm going to try a substitute,

environmental friendly Red Tek R12a refrigerant

. The manufacturer claims it's compatible with R12 and there are several positive reviews on it.

How do you tell if you have R12 or 134a?

To tell if it has been converted you can look for a sticker on the unit under the hood, which would indicate that it is

R134a

. And you can also look for R134a adapters, which would be located on the charge parts.

How do I know if my ac is R12 or R134a?

Start your car, turn the ac on, pop your hood, look and listen. If it is R12 the caps on the charge

fittings will be about the size of the valve stem cap on your tires

. If it was R134 then the fitting cap would be between the size of a dime or a nickel.

When retrofitting an ac system from R12 to R134a what oil should be recommended?

R-134a systems require

PAG (polyalkylene glycol) oil of a certain grade

. PAG oil is hygroscopic, meaning that it readily absorbs moisture from the air. Never leave the cap loose when storing PAG refrigerant oil. Some manufacturers recommend using less hygroscopic POE (Polyol Ester) oil instead of PAG after a retrofit.

What component Cannot be flushed?


Accumulators, receiver driers, lines and hoses with filters and mufflers

CANNOT be flushed and must be replaced.

Can I replace R12 with r600?

With regard to R600a

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.