Can freon go bad?

speter4205 · #1 07-21-2009, 06:47 PM

I have a half a can of freon (at least a year old) I tried to put into my 2000 150 5.4L.

the compressor would not kick on. I by passed the low pressure switch, and got the compressor to kick on, (or at least got the the thing to spin) but it would still not take any freon.

I'm at my witts end. I know its low on freon, as I found a leak, and I have warm air blowing.

Any ideas? Could the can of freon I have be toast?

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OhioLariat · #2 07-21-2009, 08:07 PM

If you had half a can of freon a year ago, you likely had an empty can of freon today. Freon will leak from the smallest of orifices. What may have remained in the can was carrier oil found in many "recharge" cans.

Andy

projectSHO89 · #3 07-21-2009, 10:49 PM

Ford hasn't used Freon in new vehicles for more than 15 years.

Whatever you have probably isn't Freon, or, if it ws - would be the wrong refrigerant for a 2000.

DJ2007 · #4 07-21-2009, 11:30 PM

"Freon" is a brand name to refrigerants like Ford, Chevrolet, and Chrysler are brand names to automobiles. R12 refrigerant was outlawed years ago and you can't buy it legally anymore. R134A is what refrigerant is used nowadays for automobiles and domestic refrigerators. You probably had a can of R134A and it was most likely empty as once the can is "opened" it will leak out.

OhioLariat · #5 07-21-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectSHO89

Ford hasn't used Freon in new vehicles for more than 15 years.

Whatever you have probably isn't Freon, or, if it ws - would be the wrong refrigerant for a 2000.

Picky, picky.

Andy

DJ2007 · #6 07-22-2009, 12:04 AM

[quote=speter4205;3811067]I have a half a can of freon (at least a year old)

If the can was at least a year old, then it was not R12. It was most likely
R134A. Anyone can purchase R134A at Wallyworld or any autoparts house without having an HVAC license. It was probably empty.

speter4205 · #7 07-22-2009, 12:03 PM

Ok guys, sorry, I'm old school, and used to calling it "Freon".

Yes its a half can of "R134A Refridgerant" I bought it last year to top off my wifes car. I didn't realize it would leak out, when used. I'll pick up another can to top off the truck.