i have a 1994 ford escort lx 4 door, I was wondering if the a/c refridgerant was the r12 or the R13a? I was told 94-up had the r13 which is cheaper to repair.

It could be either, depending on when it was made.
It the fill valve looks the same as a car tire valve it's R-12.

There are alternatives to R-13, do a Google search. Most are better.

Look into Hot Shot, You can read a little on it here
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95445&highlight=hot+shot+mod

Plus read this web page
http://befreetech.com/esinfo.htm