How much stop leak does it take to damage an A/C system?

Posted by the_guitarkid70@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 11 comments

My wife's 2015 Subaru Crosstrek's AC was blowing hot air. I had a car many years ago that did that, and I'd fixed it easily by refilling the system with r134a, so I figured I'd try it here. Bought some at AutoZone. The pressure gauge read low, so I proceeded to fill. In less than 2 seconds, a loud grinding sound started up. Obviously I stopped filling immediately, and haven't filled any more. It only makes the grinding sound when the AC is on. The pressure gauge reads the same as it did before I started. All the good mechanics are closed this time of night, so for now I've just been looking online to make sure it's safe to wait till tomorrow after work to take it somewhere. In the process, I learned that many of those r134a cans contain stop leak, which is really bad for your system, and can damage the mechanic's equipment as well. Low and behold, the can I was using contains stop leak as well. My question being, could I really have caused damage with such a small amount of stop leak? Or is there something else that could be at play here?

11 Comments

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YoloSwagElite@reddit

stop leak that is added to refrigerant cans should not pose a great risk. there is a wide spectrum of opinions out there. yes, i agree, it is basically worthless. no, i disagree, it will not clog up your system blow up your compressor. all in all, the companies promoting these products, like avalanche, are saving money by only giving you 6.25 fluid oz of r1234yf in an 8 oz can recharge kit. in most cases stop leak is nothing but pag oil.

Gatesy840@reddit

This is why you should need to be licensed for AC. People have no idea what they are doing and it's terrible gas for the environment. R1234yf is better but still bad. Atleast we don't use r12 still I guess

thepete404@reddit

Actually r12 is still in wide use. Certain countries choose to ignore treaties. I prefer using flammable refrigerants personally Cuts down on repeat mistakes by the untrained.

Sure you can still get it here too. But I can't name any auto makers that still use it in new cars, it's obsolete.

25 million by estimate outdated reefers from the 70’s still running using r12 is certain countries will disagree. Nor will the satellite detected plume riding over thief illicit factories. No, for cars we are forced to pay r/d tax on new and better-er refrigerants. That have little reason to be pricey except for greed. The r134 system in my 300k mile 90 eras pickup had a single compressor failure. I don’t know the tech had improved that much. I mean if the compressor was 1/25 the size and used .01 hp then yeah I could pay $100+ a pound for that shizz that runs it. But somehow a pound of flesh is what is required to stay comfortable these days.

the_guitarkid70@reddit (OP)

Ok that's good to know, thank you!

How much stop leak does it take to damage an A/C system?

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11 Comments

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the_guitarkid70@reddit (OP)