Refrigerator with r-12

You would have to check compatibility with the oil in the pump, compare the efficiency of the two gases and work out if the system would operate with the gas. Oh, and make sure you vac the system right down, 'cos you don't want an explosion!

Have you contacted any refrigeration supply houses for R-12 alternatives?

Here in the US, there are numerous "drop-in" replacements that will NOT require oil flushing and changing of metering devices etc.

R414b is an R12 replacement that is compatable with your existing mineral oil. If you change it to 134A , Mp39 or the others on the market you need to add at least a percentage of poly oil or it will gel the sides of internal tubing......so R 414b also known as HOT SHOT is your best bet. Did you find the leak?

Good answer, I have no idea if that stuff is available in UK, where I think the question originated.

Refrigerators probably won't operate correctly or very long with an R-134-a changeover. Probably have metering troubles.

Manufacturer's say that a refrigerator can NOT be open to atmosphere for more than 20 minutes or else it will NEVER be able to be "dried out", regardless of a deep vacuum and driers.

NOTE:

• Re-charging a small (residential) refrigerator is not usually a successful process.

• Converting is worse.
  

This could be a fun project to tinker with but if you need it to work reliably I recommend trading it in at a used appliance shop.

The shop gets used parts from your old unit (and you get rid of it) and you can pick up a good working refrigerator (very cheap) that someone traded in (gave away) when they purchased a new one.

markar

May i ask how you know your frig needs extra refrigerant added- could be mechanical failure- could be electrical failure- if leakage has occurred, needs to find the leak & fix- R134A is a synthetic (as is R12) but is far less efficient- there are natural refrigerants around that can be used- as to ice block in evaporator- this can happen- but usually evacuation, combined with a good or new dryer fixes the problem.

<sue>