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Anonymous
Anonymous asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 1 decade ago

R12 or r134a?

What are the advantages and disadvantages? I ahve an R12 system now, is it worth it to change over and how much would it be?

8 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Just some corrections. R-12 does have a higher specific heat, therefore is more efficient as a refrigerent and there is a measureable difference in its cooling capacity. R-12 is a LARGER molecule than R-134a. It also weighs more than a comparable VOLUME of R134a. To use R134a you must have a higher grade of hose than was required by R12. R-134a will leak through places where R-12 will not. R-12 and R134 can be mixed BUT it makes an unpredictible refrigerent AND this is the practical part R-134 requires a PAG or Ester oil which is NOT compatible with ANY amount of R-12. It will turn to glue. The R-12 oil does NOT need to be removed (mineral oil). It will remain in the system and not circulate. The benefit to R134 i, it is cheaper(now) and you can buy it(legally).

  • 1 decade ago

    The only problems with R12 is that some R12 is contaminated depending where you get it from. If you go to a dealership or certified shop that does A/C work your gauranteed a good R12. Rumor has it that R134A cools bettter but I've never seen an improvement or difference. The other possible pro/con about R12 is that it is a smaller molecule and again they say it has a tendency of leaking faster......but why would anyone create a system that wouldn't hold/contain the molecule. If you decide to convert over to R134A if will cost you around seven to nine hundred dollars to replace the components needed and have the system installed and hold a vacuum.....depending on what type of vehicle and compressor. If it were up to me I would keep my R12 system and ensure I had a qualified mechanic maintain my system.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    4 years ago

    in case your ninety 3 is like mine and has never been replaced over , it truly is an r12 equipment . to be particular , flow for your interior sight aspects save and someone there could manage to look on the fee fittings and inform you . in case you nonetheless have r12 and desire a cost , you may be in difficulty . even as at aspects save and in case you hit upon out you've r12 equipment , verify on availability of r12 change . you nonetheless won't be able to purchase it your self , yet when accessible , you are able to a minimum of get the equipment recharged . If none accessible , get waiting to spend funds to get it replaced over .

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    an R12 system will actually pull a few degrees cooler than an r134a system

    to change the system to r134a involves completely draining the system and changing the oil

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    R12 is the old freon, R134 is the new stuff. To change over the whole system needs to be flushed out. These 2 are not compatible and cannot be mixed. R134 is safer to the environment and there is no difference in which one gets colder.

    Source(s): 27 years wrenching on everything
  • ronnny
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    r12 works better than the 134a. But you can not find, nor buy the r12 yourself. wether you need to do the work yourself or not you have to like said vacuum the system and put in new oil and the 134a.

  • 1 decade ago

    check all your lines and tubes are they rusted? if they are don't you will have to replace them frist. how long has it not been working? if it has been a few years it wont work more and likey. you can buy a kit at any autoparts store for about $40,00 that will change it over

  • 1 decade ago

    I dont know I dont watch Star Wars!

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