The new Type: R-1234yf refrigerant is more ozone friendly - but it needs re-gassing like any other.............

An air con system only needs re-gassing if there is a leak. This is true whatever gas is used.
If its working, don't touch it.

Robert G8RPI.

All AC systems naturally decompress/disperse over time so they will require a re-gas over a period - leak or no-leak. The handbook states the system should be checked every summer.

Nello said:

All AC systems naturally decompress/disperse over time so they will require a re-gas over a period - leak or no-leak. The handbook states the system should be checked every summer.

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So where is the gas going if it is not leaking?
There is some "normal" leakage on most automotive systems due to the shaft seals on the compressor but I've had 20 year old cars which had never been re-gassed (factory seals on ports intact) and the AC still worked. This does not stop people selling re-charges though.
Some modern cars and mosr elecric cars use electric compressors which are hermetically sealled and don't have any normal leakage. They are similar to compressors in fridges.

Robert G8RPI.

R-1234yf may be more ozone freindly, but it is four times the price of the previous gas, and is flammable. Mercedes have defied the EU by continuing to use the old gas (R-123yf?).

TrevC said:

Mercedes have defied the EU by continuing to use the old gas (R-123yf?).

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Mercedexit!

Yes that's the catch - the cost! You could argue whether its better for us and the planet or better for the manufacturers with recon costs! The Compressed gas naturally dissipates over time. Some systems are better than others but I've never had a car that didn't need a regas (or leak fixed!) at some point.

Goodcoin said:

As a side note, there is no persistent odor in my case. It's just when I turn the car on after an 8-hour parking under direct sun I get this unpleasant smell for a couple of minutes, until the system ventilates itself. Everything is fine after night parking (or any sunless parking for that matter), no smells, nothing.

I bought this AC cleaner this morning in a local auto store. Will try today and see how it goes.

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Any update on the Wynns yet please?

Alanw47 said:

Any update on the Wynns yet please?

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So far so good. No unpleasant smells for several days now, even after long parking under the sun. For a few seconds after starting the car I can feel the aerosol aroma coming from the vents, but that's it.

Nello said:

The new Type: R-1234yf refrigerant is more ozone friendly - but it needs re-gassing like any other.............

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You can’t just put a new gas into an old aircon system. If you have a car built and designed to use R134 then that’s the gas you will need to have put into your system each recharge.

There has been a push back from all the German car makers as well as some others including here in the uk to the new HFO-1234yf aside from it being flammable, when burned it turns into a toxic gas and corrosive acid....

Nello said:

Yes that's the catch - the cost! You could argue whether its better for us and the planet or better for the manufacturers with recon costs! The Compressed gas naturally dissipates over time. Some systems are better than others but I've never had a car that didn't need a regas (or leak fixed!) at some point.

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The new R1234yf systems have significantly better integrity than older systems and should not require topping up or replacement for the life of the cat . Downside of this is if you do need service because of damage or a fault it's likely to cost more as the equipment cost will have to be recovered over less use. While filling a R134 system with R1234yf would work (subject to seal compatibility with the oil used), it will not work as well and will cost much more. The new systems are different, many with an extra heat exchanger, to get the best performance. A R134 will run on propane, but its not recommended. There are fake R134 top-up kits that contain propane.
Robert G8RPI



Robert G8RPI.

Sorry guys but at no point did have I ever suggest replacing a R1234yf system with the older stuff..................I think the new stuff is required now by law.

g8rpi said:

The new R1234yf systems have significantly better integrity than older systems and should not require topping up or replacement for the life of the cat . Downside of this is if you do need service because of damage or a fault it's likely to cost more as the equipment cost will have to be recovered over less use. While filling a R134 system with R1234yf would work (subject to seal compatibility with the oil used), it will not work as well and will cost much more. The new systems are different, many with an extra heat exchanger, to get the best performance. A R134 will run on propane, but its not recommended. There are fake R134 top-up kits that contain propane.
Robert G8RPI



Robert G8RPI.

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I had to have my aircon unit degassed, removed, reinstalled and regassed to get to a problem behind it. The dealer didn't have the right gas, didn't have the right tools and it cost Fiat an absolute fortune to replace a £2-£3 part behind it. Fingers crossed I never need another one, the warranty has run out now