newyorker

Went to a garage to service my 1990 ford crown victoria wagon for my air conditioner system. The mechanic proceeded to recover what was left in my system and stated they can no longer charge with R-12, and charged my system with 134a without changing any fittings or parts.
Is this correct, or will it destroy my compressor eventually because my system was originally designed for R-12?
Any reply would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Johnny Mullet

I have retro-fitted several cars for R134. A long time ago, people would say the lines, fittings, seals, etc would all need changed over, but the truth is as long as the system works and does not have any leaks, the retrofit will be fine.

newyorker

Thank you Johnny Mullet for your reply.

fuzzyfireman

In reply to your question, it will not harm your system. As the other gentleman has replied, so long as you did not have any leaks in your system, you'll be fine. The only concern when this refrigerant was developed (r-134), was the fact that is was used with Polyolester oil in the compressor, instead of mineral oil. Polyolester oil is synthetic, whereas the stock oil is not. When the r-134 gas was developed, they said to take extra precautions not to use it with mineral oil, or else it woult pretty much turn to jello,and block up the system. I've been experimenting with it since '96 (I'm a refrigeration tech for a major company) and have never experienced any problems. Another suitable refrigerant is R-414, which is claimed to be compatible with R-134 and R-12 systems both. This refrigerant has been on the market for years now. After some research, all R-414 is made of is 98% R-134 + 2% R-22. The R-22 is generally used in household air conditioners, ant I think that they only use it to stabilize the operating pressures of the system. So the way I see it, If you can use 414 in a 12 system, R-134 is no different. Hope this was helpful, Talk 2 u later.

tbird100636

Should be adequete. There was a Ford TSB I found a long time ago that had Part #'s for retrofit kits for practically every pre-1994 Ford car, truck, and even commercial truck applications. It involved installing revised parts, different for every vehicle, and in all applications a pressure switch. Your system should work fine the way it is.

__________________
Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic