Do 134a and 1234yf use the same oil?

Author: Abigayle Wintheiser Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 24, 2026

While R-1234yf oils are backwards compatible with R-134a systems, R-134a PAG oils are not compatible with R-1234yf systems. Four Seasons TEMP Select now offers a PAG oil that is 100% compatible with HFO-1234yf refrigerant.

Can I mix R134a with R-1234yf?

So no, you cannot mix the two. Also, R123yf is not as efficient as R134a, so other changes to the system to make up that difference get incorporated into cars that use it. About 14% difference, which means they have to change things like surface areas and compressor stroke and pressure drop potentials.

What kind of oil does a 1234yf take?

When undertaking lubricant selection for HFO 1234yf oil compatibility systems there remains a market acceptance that specialty synthetic 'double end-capped' polyalkylene glycols ('PAGs') are the preferred OEM choice.

What is the difference between R134a and R-1234yf?

Firstly, the primary difference is the environmental impact. Old refrigerants like R-12 and R-134a are known to contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. In contrast, 1234YF is classified as a has a much lower global warming potential. Secondly, the performance of the refrigerants is different.

Is R-1234yf a direct replacement for R134a?

There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744.

Converting R1234YF to R134A... was it a mistake?

Can you use R134a oil in a R1234yf system?

The results which can be seen in Figures 5 and 6 show an excellent chemical compatibility for both refrigerants. In both cases the percent change was very minimal. They both had a slight increase in volume which is ideal to further fill the gap; providing a better seal.

What year did they stop using R134a refrigerant?

In the United States, vehicles produced after 2021 no longer contain R-134A in the air conditioning system. In other parts of the world, including the United States, there are restrictions around using 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Specifically, in California, retailers can deny selling customers canned R-134a.

What happens if you use R134a instead of R-1234yf?

Changing from R-1234yf to R-134a refrigerant may result in a system with incorrect refrigerant flow and heat exchanger mal-distribution which may cause a loss of cooling performance or durability concerns.

Can you use pag 46 in a 1234yf system?

In with the new

The new refrigerant type uses ND-oil 12, also a PAG 46 oil but with additives specifically for the R1234yf type refrigerant.

What happens if I use the wrong PAG oil?

POE oil has greater insulating properties than PAG and can help to protect the insulation on the windings, preventing electrical leakage. Using the wrong oil in hybrid vehicles may allow current to short circuit back through the A/C compressor, creating a shock hazard.

How to add oil to a R-1234yf system?

Hold body of injector. Use (I) starting line on handle end as a guide. Turn handle clockwise to inject 1 application of oil. (Approximately 3 1/4 turn(s) for 1/4 oz oil).

What type of oil is used in R134a?

Answer and Explanation: The lubricant which is used with the refrigerant R-134a is Polyolester oil (POE oil). Polyester oil is a type of synthetic oil. R134a does not mix well with mineral oils.

Is R134a going to be phased out?

The commonly used synthetic refrigerants such as R134a, R407C and R410A have a GWP value higher than 2,500. As a result, their production is being phased out.

Can you flush a R1234yf system?

The ACX universal flushing unit is designed for refrigerants R134a and R1234yf. A proper flush of the air conditioning system is one of the most important tasks to be carried out during repairs and after the replacement of a compressor.

Are 1234yf pressures the same as 134a?

2 (a) shows that the variation of the pressure-volume diagram is very similar when using R1234yf and R134a, with, R134a shows a higher final discharge pressure, with the difference in the indicated work for compressor when using both fluids to be less than 2%, as shown in Fig.

Is 134a oil compatible with 1234yf?

HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf ) has a global warming impact value of 1 versus 1300 for R-134a. It breaks down chemically in the atmosphere in only 11 days versus 13 years for R-134a! While R-1234yf oils are backwards compatible with R-134a systems, R-134a PAG oils are not compatible with R-1234yf systems.

Is it illegal to put 134a in a 1234yf system?

Still, the answer is an emphatic, “No.” Not only would a retrofit of this type negate the environmental benefits of R-1234yf, but it would also be a violation of Federal Law under Section 203 of the Clean Air Act: “tampering” with a vehicle's emissions control device.

Can you mix R-134a with R-1234yf?

Refrigerant types are not to be mixed. The usage of dyes and sealants is discouraged.

What are the disadvantages of R1234YF refrigerant?

Cons of R1234YF and the New Equipment
  • Higher Cost: One of the major drawbacks of R1234YF is its higher price. ...
  • Complex Maintenance: Alongside the increased cost, R1234YF also requires more complex maintenance compared to its predecessor. ...
  • Mild Flammability: Another concern with R1234YF is its mild flammability.

When was R134a banned?

The AIM Act is a Federal nationwide rule phasing out the use of global warming materials. As part of that effort, EPA is now banning the use of 134a in aerosol products as of 1/1/2025. There are excepted products that are allowed to use 134a until 1/1/2028.

Why is 1234yf Freon so expensive?

Switching to R1234yf refrigerant is a step towards a greener future, but it comes with higher costs due to advanced equipment, stringent regulations, and specialized training.

What refrigerant is currently slated to replace R-134a?

According to its manufacturer, Chemours, use of R-1234yf has grown so much since the refrigerant replaced the long-established R-134a that it's now used in 95% of new cars sold in the U.S. An estimated 220 million cars on global roads are also using it.

What refrigerant is being phased out?

R-410A is a refrigerant that is classified as a greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential and a negative impact on the climate. It is being phased out for a more environmentally friendly solution for HVAC systems.

What AC refrigerant was banned?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned R22 freon in the country. Why? R22 contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer – which absorbs the ultraviolet radiation from the sun and protects us from its harmful effects – and the ecosystem in general.

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