Is my AC system R12 or converted to R134A?

[TireFryer]

So the car has adaptors for R134a however the compressor still says R12a. Anyone recommend a way to determine if my car has been converted or not? I do have cans of Freeze 12 refrigerant as well as oil and leak stop but don't want to use them if is been converted. There is enough gas in system to turn on the compressor for like 2-3secs before turning off.
TIA

 

[fast86gn]

There wouldn't be any reason to put in the adaptors for 134A if it was still R12? Who ever may have cheaped out and not changed the compressor when the change was done. Not recommended. I had one years ago we did that sucked it down did the evac and recharged with 134A, it lasted a year or two before the compressor went south.

 

[626gn]

Most likely this^^^. I bought a car where the previous owner "fixed" the ac by converting to 134A without changing the compressor. It lasted about a year before the compressor crapped out.

 

[TireFryer]

Thanks for the insight.
What's the proper course correction at this time?

 

[fast86gn]

You could charge it and see what happens, it's not going to get worse? It may work for awhile or not at all? You wanna do it right get a compressor kit and replace it all. If you can DIY you'll save a lot of money. The shop I work at that is about a $1200-$1500 job

 

[TireFryer]

You could charge it and see what happens, it's not going to get worse? It may work for awhile or not at all? You wanna do it right get a compressor kit and replace it all. If you can DIY you'll save a lot of money. The shop I work at that is about a $1200-$1500 job

At this point, I'll try to charge it and see what happens.
I have freeze12 - should I use that or go with the R134a from autozone due to that adaptors on the hi/lo ports?

 

[fast86gn]

The adapters are already there I would go with the 134