TexSquirrel

I haven’t recharged an R12 vehicle in decades.
I have converted several to R134A though.
But those systems had no remaining R12 and required replacement of most of the components due to being opened to moisture.
Just now seeing R1234yf systems too. (2017+)
R1234yf is crazy expensive.

De Jeeper

And very explosive.

TexSquirrel

I took a class in August 2021 on R1234yf systems, and the instructor (European AC Manufacture employee) said that if you had a supply of R134A and R1234yf was not available in your country you could thoroughly vacuum the R1234yf systems and refill with R134A, the systems were completely compatible.
He did warn that it would be best to relabel the system as R134A.
The other "instructor" (American Wholesale Parts Supplier) informed the class that it was illegal in the US to fill an R1234YF systems with R134A and that we should disregard.
The EPA does not allow relabeling of R1234yf systems as R134A.
The European instructor said that was crazy, they do it all the time in <European Country near Germany>.
He did say that in most of Europe, R1234yf costs about the same as R134A, around 25 euros to fill most systems.

I would never recommend anyone do that.
I just thought it was interesting what people do in Europe.

Icelia

Why would anyone want to convert an expensive system with marginal gains in efficiency with a compatible, much cheaper, 90% as effective and easier to work on system?

That is just crazy talk

theprf

It's actually R1243yf (not 1234yf) though I typo that all the time. I would have zero qualms about converting a 1243yf system to R134a. Yes, I have a 608 and 609 card and all the A/C service stuff including a recovery machine..

michaelo

Happy to be the bearer of good news, but a recharged AC that has a very slow leak can last a few years.

-nick

Edit- wrong thread! Apologies for the random thread bump

TexSquirrel

My cans all say R1234yf:

In the class, it was referred to as "R Twelve Thirty-four."
I had been calling it "R One Two Three Four" for years without being corrected.