R-1234yf air conditioning systems almost exclusively require a low-viscosity PAG 46 (Polyalkylene Glycol) oil, specifically formulated for R-1234yf systems.
PAG Air Conditioning Oil 46 R-1234 YF. Fully synthetic oil based on polyalkylene glycol (PAG). For lubricating, sealing and cooling sliding and rotating parts in the refrigerant compressors and refrigerant circuits in passenger and commercial vehicle air conditioning systems.
250ml AUTOMOTIVE AIRCON A/C R1234YF PAG46 SYNTHETIC COMPRESSOR OIL PAG 46.
Did you know R1234yf oils are backwards compatible with R134a systems but oils designed for R134a systems are not compatible with R1234yf systems? As summer starts and A/C repairs come into more shops, this article from Mobile Air Climate Systems Association goes through important oil information to keep vehicles cool.
As described in gpd Tech Tip #108, hybrid scroll compressors require a specific type of oil with high dielectric properties. Using the same oil as a non-hybrid compressor, PAG oil, on a hybrid compressor will cause compressor failure.
Due to its different chemical structure, an HFO-1234yf is not compatible with mineral oil and is not an efficient option to be mixed with hydraulic oil. However, it perfectly works fine and is compatible with PAG oil.
Mixing R134a and R1234yf will contaminate your A/C system, leading to poor cooling performance, severe compressor damage, and costly component failures [051, 055].
PAG oils are harsher than mineral oils, and may cause skin irritation and damage O-rings and seals. There are different viscosities of PAG oil being used by OEMs: PAG 46, which is the most popular; PAG 100, which is also common; and PAG 150, which is more rarely used.
Automakers began transitioning their air conditioning systems to the eco-friendly R-1234yf refrigerant around 2013, starting with select GM and Chrysler models. By 2021, almost all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. were required to be equipped with the updated system.
HVAC systems with too much oil can result in reduced cooling capacity, and systems with excessive lubricant will create an internal coating that results in less heat transfer.
Cons: Cost: 1234yf refrigerant may be more expensive compared to 134a, potentially increasing initial investment costs for equipment and maintenance. Limited Availability: The widespread adoption of 1234yf is still in progress, leading to potential challenges in availability and supply chain logistics.
As of January 1, 2020, the United States banned the use of the R22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon.
In most cases, no. You should not use standard 10W-30 motor oil in an air compressor. Standard automotive oils contain detergents that can cause foaming, carbon buildup, and severe damage to compressor valves.
10lb and 25lb R-1234yf cylinders will also require use of an R/R/R machine. Don't use recovery machines or other tools or equipment not rated for R-1234yf when servicing systems designed for R-1234yf. Complete EPA 609 certification if using 10lb or 25lb R-1234yf cylinders.
No, R-1234yf is not an ozone-depleting gas. It is a fourth-generation hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant specifically designed to have a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) while dramatically reducing global warming impact compared to older refrigerants.
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The HFO1234yf refrigerant was introduced as a replacement for HFC134a due to its low GWP=4 and very rapid decay in the atmosphere (11 days max.), i.e. much less impact on global warming.
The standard and most widely specified oil for R-1234yf systems is double-end-capped PAG 46 (Polyalkylene Glycol) specifically formulated for R-1234yf. However, there are specific variations depending on the vehicle's compressor design:
Black Death occurs when moisture contamination in an AC system forms corrosive acids that attack metal surfaces and break down compressor oil, resulting in a dark sludge that can damage components. It is caused by humidity entering through small leaks or using improper refrigerant.
As a result, an AC compressor can fail to cool air or have all kinds of problems if it doesn't have enough oil.
R-12 (also widely known by the trademarked name Freon) was phased out because it is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) that destroys the Earth's vital ozone layer.
In short, the answer is, "No!" Automotive refrigerants are volatile compounds that can have a negative effect on the environment. Combining them can have adverse effects, and cause damage to your car's A/C system.