ABOVE: A Continental Mark II, like the author’s, at the Kellogg Manor near the Gilmore during the Lincoln Centennial in 2022. Photo courtesy of John Walcek.
By Dean Forbes
Originally published in the November-December 2024 Lincoln and Continental Comments magazine (Issue # 381)
About 70% of all Continental Mark II automobiles were ordered with factory A/C and used R-12 Freon for cooling purposes. When the EPA banned using R-12 Freon in automobiles, the race was on to develop a replacement Freon.
The new product that won out was Freon 134a. However, the problem with Freon 134a as a replacement for the original R-12 Freon was:
- It is not compatible with the original R-12 Freon.
- It also didn’t cool as well.
- It required the installation of a new dryer.
- A complete purging of all R-12 Freon from the system is necessary before use.
- It caused higher head pressures in Tecumseh/York compressors.
When the above was done, and Mark II owners started using the new 134a Freon, several owners reported reed valves in their compressor went out, and the shaft seal started leaking. Those Mark II owners began to suspect the higher head pressure might be the cause.
After having their A/C compressors rebuilt, those Mark II owners, as well as other classic car owners, decided to go back to the original R-12 Freon. In so doing drove up the price on the internet to over a hundred dollars for a single six oz. can of original R-12 Freon. Unfortunately, the EPA took notice and started threatening anyone selling R-12 Freon to non-A/C license holders with legal action. While the EPA did allow U.S. manufacturing of R-12 Freon to continue, only licensed A/C companies could purchase it. That ended internet sales of R- 12 Freon from individuals to individuals.
Next, with R-12 Freon still being made in Mexico, some car owners started buying R-12 Freon from there for their own use. However, I must warn you the R-12 Freon that is made in Mexico does not use the same recipe as the original U.S. R-12 Freon. It contains a lot of propane and is very flammable. For that very reason, I would not recommend using it.
ABOVE: Owners of vintage Lincolns and Continentals now have several quality options of refrigerants to keep their A/C systems humming like new. Photo courtesy of the author.
I can recommend a modern, new-and-improved replacement Freon refrigerant which is compatible with the original R-12 Freon and made in the USA is as follows:
Refrigerants Plus
1306 Midnight Dr., San Antonio, TX 78260
Phone: Call Donna at 210-710-3483.
Product name: RED TEK 12a. Part # 301 A/C
Refrigerant six oz. can (equivalent to 18 oz.
of R-12). Price: $8.50 ea. plus shipping.
Features & Benefits: possesses similar volumetric refrigerating effects to original R-12 refrigerants. It operates at lower head pressures and offers improved cooling properties, performance, and energy efficiency versus R-12 or R-134a. It is compatible with most common refrigeration materials and lubricants, including original R-12 & first-generation 134a.
AutoRefrigerants, Inc.
P.O. Box 321, Alpena, MI 49707.
800-524-5987
Order online: AutoRefrigerants.com
Product name: Enviro-Safe ES-12a
Six oz. can (equivalent to 18 oz. R-12) Price:
$7.50 ea. plus shipping. Order a case of 12
cans for $90.00 – free S/H.
Features & Benefits: is 100% compatible with every aspect of both R-12 and 134a A/C systems. It is colder, lighter, and easier to compress than either the original R-12 or 134a, with reduced head pressure, hence less drag on the engine, less workload for your compressor, and better gas mileage while running your A/C system.
If you think the regular formula is cold (and it most certainly is), this newer, even colder Industrial 12a will amaze and delight you. It comes in a larger eight oz. can. Price: $10.50 ea. or $125.00 per case (12 cans) of Industrial R-12a (free shipping)
I can attest to having used all three of the above products in my Mark II automobile and was satisfied with the results.
Note: See the above pictures of the various products. When reading left to right, they are RED TEK 12a, ENVIRO-SAFE ES-12a, and the last, ENVIRO-SAFE “Industrial R-134a Replacement Refrigerant.”
Dean Forbes is an LCOC member from Houston, Texas.