Welcome to the group if someone hasn't said so yet!
The newer style 134a versus r12 is no comparision... R12 cools much better but is no more. My old mustang still runs the r12 stuff and works great.
I have had my coutour do as you subscribe... A year ago they just recharged it... This week they put in a new compressor as I think the old one was leaking or not compressing as it should.
Sounds like your short cycling caused by low freon levels. Would also explain it not working well... So both of your problems are related to the same issue... low freon levels. Hope this helps.
Good luck,
VG
