Technical R134A replacement on the horizon?

I have been thinking I might invest in a few AC tools, but I was wondering if there are any replacements on the horizon for R134a? I remember when I was working ina parts store back in the late 80’s they told me R12 was going away. I was building 10’ pyramids of R12 for .89 can. I thought “ no way”. The pyramids disappeared overnight.

I know they have been talking about for a decade, but then it kinda went quiet.

Every time the new replacements come out they take different fittings, oil etc.

Just wondering before I order some gauges. I googled it but no bueno.

Thanks

Root

 

Look up R1234yf refrigerant. Been the "new" standard for a few years now . Expensive but I think it still uses the same fittings.

 

I’ve been hearing about a replacement for R134A since it came out !!!

I’m sure it’s on the horizon , I know Volvo was playing with Propane, propane cools incredibly well … only downfall is it’s explosive !

lots of “blended “ gases on the market right now .

yup , R12 disappeared almost as fast as desoto dealerships !

 

I used to be an expert in that field, but don’t do much with refrigerants anymore. There have been some new formulas released, but there’s no rush to switch. I assume the OEMs are still using 134a, but I’m not for sure.

 

Don't believe any manufacturers have used 134a for quite a few years now.

 

yeah, I should have kept my mouth shut on that one.

 

Yup. It is a "drop-in" replacement. It is in a lot of cars now

Over time, as with all of the previous iterations, the price will come down.

 

R1234YF was mandatory on all US vehicles as of 2021.

 

A whole lot of customs seem to, though.

 

Honestly, none of mine do. Although, I always wish they did come August…..

 

Because I don’t wanna drop a bunch of money on shop tools if they are getting ready to phase out the current refrigerants. I will have AC on my 55. I will probably eventually retrofit the Produce truck. It gets hotter than a mofo around here in the summer, not like you MN types with a high of 89.

 

It ended with the auto OEM's in 2021 by Federal Law. Appliances and other stationary users have to stop by 2024.

 

Each refrigerant has a specific set of fittings to avoid cross-contamination. 1234yf fittings are similar in appearance to 134a, but are different.

 

It would seem the fitting industry is doing pretty good.

 

Might be a good field to get into but I’m afraid I wouldn’t fit in

 

I must be a super hot rodder. I don’t even have heat.(except for removing the trans cover in the winter)
And I have a manual wiper blade

 

We just did an AC and heat delete at school on my OT build. Hope the cage doesn’t get in the way of the wiper mechanism.
That’ll hit the scrap bin too

 

I didn't know that 134a wasn't THE refrigerant anymore. I still have a spare top-up can of R-12 for my coupe!

 

As you said, propane (R290) is an excellent refrigerant, and has an ozone depletion rating of ZERO. It also has a Global Warming Potential (GPW) of 3, whereas typical HFC refrigerants like R404 have a GPW somewhere around 4000. But as you said, the flammability of it is the big drawback. Current government regulations allow a maximum propane charge is a system of just 150 grams, or 0.33 lbs. Enough for an icemaker but likely not adequate for a mobile air conditioning system.

 

How are you going to hear the engine sing with the windows rolled up and the blower motor going. No thanks on that AC.

 

I have a blown Hemi, a quick change with straight-cut spur gears, and no mufflers.

When I fire up, you might hear me at your place.

 

Different climates (and ages) require different attitudes.

You can always make an engine sing louder.

You can't always make 100° and 85% humidity go away.

 

In a world that has become concerned about " cow farts" , etc , who knows what will be banned next ??

 

Just a heads up 134 is going through the roof price wise !

 

Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle - I had never heard about any phase out until this thread, and now look…..

https://www.epa.gov/mvac/refrigerant-transition-environmental-impacts

Edit: note the second exemption I cut from the document at the above URL:

• HFC-134a will no longer be approved for use in new light-duty vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States as of model year 2021 as a result of EPA’s July 2015 final rule under SNAP (July 20, 2015, 80 FR 42870).
  • Limited exemption (narrowed use limit) through MY 2025 for use of HFC-134a in vehicles destined for use in countries that do not have infrastructure in place for servicing with other acceptable refrigerants (July 20, 2015, 80 FR 42870).
  • Servicing of existing vehicles using HFC-134a with HFC-134a will not be impacted and will continue to be allowed.

 

After the existing refrigerants are phased out the EPA is going to require modern AC systems in traditional hot rods. Then we can discuss them freely here.

John

 

I would agree.....if I lived somewhere it never or hardly gets above 100°. But here in Central California, it commonly tops 100-110° for 30-45 days straight. Many times not dropping below 100° till after 10 pm. If you wanna drive 'em, it's kinda a must have thing.

 

How did we survive to be this old without a/c in the cars of our youth?