MACS Service Reports - 2015 - OCT2

October 2015

MACS Staff

ant identifiers, and recovery-only equipment. You'll have
a whole new option; maybe more than one when it comes to
R/R/R equipment purchase. Simply put, J3030 (Figure 1) is
a standard for A/C machines that can recover, recycle and
recharge systems with either R-134a or R-1234yf, in either of
two ways.
One is a machine that can switch back and forth between
the two refrigerants. It is tested to both SAE refrigerant equipment standards, J2788 for R-134a and J2843 for R-1234yf. In addition, it is tested for a maximum amount (0.5%) of cross-contamination between the two refrigerants in a procedure. J3030
allows for the use of common plumbing circuits, which allows
the development of a reasonably-sized package.
Note: In the days of R-12 to R-134a, there were machines that
basically put separate machines side-by-side in a single, very
large housing. There also was some development of equipment
built to SAE J1770, a machine that used common plumbing for
both R-12 and R-134a, but it was deemed not representative of
state-of-the-art, and the standard was cancelled over five years
ago.
The other way allowed by J3030 is a machine that can be built
to service systems with one of the two refrigerants and later be
converted on a one-time basis to service with the other. Logically, this would mean a machine that is initially built for R-134a
but can be changed over to R-1234yf. We have been asked many
times "Can I convert my R-134a machine, which meets SAE
J2788 (the standard referenced in the Clean Air Act), to service
R-1234yf?" and the answer is absolutely no. This may lead you
to ask, "How then does the SAE standard allow it?"
The answer is that a J3030 machine for a one-time changeover
incorporates engineering designs, so that if or when released initially for R-134a, it also contains a number of safety features required for the mildly-flammable R-1234yf refrigerant, including
internal ventilation and anti-arcing designs for switches, motors,
etc. Although building in these safety features means it would
be somewhat more expensive than a conventional R-134a machine, it will have to provide for that conversion option. So the
machine would basically be an R-1234yf machine, but set up
with hoses, fittings, etc. for R-134a. Whatever provision is made
to later execute the changeover, such as a kit with new hoses and
fittings and any hardware or software package for refrigerant
identification, it must result in a tamper-resistant arrangement.
That is, the machine should not be able to be returned to its previous refrigerant service configuration (presumably that would
be R-134a). Of course, a shop is unlikely to execute the changeover to R-1234yf while the R-134a business is significant. But the
shop eventually would be able to convert, for a total cost that
would be much lower than going out and buying an R-1234yf
machine in addition to the R-134a equipment.
From what we've heard, the equipment manufacturers plan
to concentrate on machines that go back and forth between the
two refrigerants, and we can't tell you if or when a one-time convertible might come to market.
But you may be wondering if a one time changeover machine
is released, where would be the cost-saving for a shop that needs
an R-134a machine now, perhaps as a spare, but is willing to pay
a bit more for it because it provides a low cost future opportunity to have R-1234yf equipment for a modest additional invest-

motor.com

Figure 2: Refrigerant labels show the typical capacity on late model cars is under 16 oz (as low as 11 oz). So even though R-1234yf is much more expensive
than R-134a, the likely amount of added refrigerant from a typical leak will be
a small part of the service ticket.

Figure 3: These two seals, variants of sealing washers, provide tighter refrigerant seals on newer cars than merely O-rings. In fact, there may be O-rings
used as secondary seals.

ment. A primary area for initial savings is that the one time conversion machine would not require refrigerant identification. So
if you have an older identifier for R-134a and it fits your present
needs, you can hold off on buying a new one that also covers R-1234yf. Of course, there's a substantial trade-in allowance on old identifiers now, and we have no idea how long
that will be available. Other savings might be in the internal
fan and venting system needed only for R-1234yf. Although
a manufacturer, of course, based on design and method of
equipment assembly, may choose to include all or part of
the J2843 venting system for R-1234yf in a J3030 one time
changeover machine as released for R-134a.

Neutronics

How Long Does It Take To Recover/Recycle/Recharge? (And Why You Want To Recharge R-1234yf
Systems With R-1234yf)

Figure 4: You'll be able to buy R-1234yf R/R/R equipment that meets SAE
J2843 or the forthcoming SAE J3030 dual refrigerant machines, with or without
a built-in identifier. The handheld is at left, costs more than the built-in type
shown at right, but provides more user flexibility.

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