MACS Service Reports - 2016 - JUN2

Neutronics

But here's where we want you to be careful, very
careful. Yes, NORMALLY either an R-1234yf or
dual-refrigerant machine (that meets SAE J3030)
will require refrigerant identification (FIG. 2).
And (assuming you shop around) that built-in
identifier probably is about $500 less as a total
package with the machine (depending on the
deal you cut). (FIG. 3) But we still recommend
you get a separate, hand-held identifier, because
of its considerably greater flexibility in shop operation. Right now, a new premium identifier
is something you can use, even if you haven't
seen an R-1234yf system in your shop. Unless
you do the warranty work for a car dealer, cars
with R-1234yf systems likely are still primarily
under warranty, and the R-1234yf recycling machines will get little if any use (as the time-based
warranty runs out). But here's where it has to be
buyer beware. ■

Figure 3: The latest hand-held identifier is something
you can use now to be sure you're buying pure refrigerant, particularly if it's expensive R-1234yf.

What would you say if some salesman came into ics Inc) doesn't supply one. 2) each sampling hose
your shop and said he could sell you an "unlocked" is calibrated specifically for the particular model
R-1234yf machine that met the SAE J2843 standard? identifier, so you could not get an accurate reading
That is, the machine would work with R-1234yf even if you could jury-rig an adapter. FIG. 4.
without a valid refrigerant identification signal -
And you certainly don't want to rely on those
either from a build-in identifier which would be left super-economy identifiers, which were fine for the
out, or a compatible hand-held via a USB connec- R-134a-only era (FIG. 5), but with their "pass" and
tion.
"fail" lights are just too rudimentary today.
And that as a result he would save you a bundle
Bottom line: you either get a machine with a built(or a few hundred dollars anyway), particularly in identifier or with a USB port and circuitry that
if you had an older refrigerant identifier that you will take a signal from a hand-held.
liked, and that would identify all other refrigerants.
Hey, wouldn't that be okay?
The answer should be no
and here's why. That older
identifier will not work with
R-1234yf systems. It comes
with a sampling hose that
only connects to an R-134a
machine (or depending on
what identifier you have,
also with an old R-12 system). Well, couldn't I get an
Figure 4: It takes a specific identifier and these two different sampling hoses (R-1234yf is 6A, R-134a is 6B) to identify
adapter hose, you're thinkrefrigerant in an R-134a and an R-1234yf system. The sampling hoses have the special couplings required for each
system's refrigerant, (and now SAE fittings to connect to the identifier vs. the previous identifier's custom fitting) and
ing? No, for two reasons: 1)
are calibrated specifically. So a simple R-1234yf adapter for your R-134a system coupling will not result in an accurate
the manufacturer (NeutronR-1234yf reading on the previous identifier (and you'd also need to make an adapter just to connect to that identifier).

June 2016

MACS Service Reports

Neutronics

"HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU" - THE "UNLOCKED" R-1234yf MACHINE

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MACS Service Reports - 2016