[wavsine]

By now, most people have heard of the new replacement refrigerant R1234YF. It is being phased in because it has a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) than R134A. There is some controversy surrounding the new refrigerant because it is slightly flammable. By most accounts, it is considered difficult to ignite with a spark. Daimler was outspoken about safety concerns regarding the new refrigerant. If there is a fire under the hood, it is not good.:

“It has been known for some time now that combustion of R1234yf results in the production of the toxic hydrogen fluoride,” said Andreas Kornath, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry. “Our analysis has now shown that 20% of the gases produced by combustion of the compound consist of the even more poisonous chemical carbonyl fluoride.”

https://www.labnews.co.uk/news/refri...on-17-04-2014/

GM plans to equip all vehicles in their model range with R1234YF by 2018. The Camaro got R1234YF in 2017. (There may be some 2016 models that got the new refrigerant)

Daimler's concerns with the flammability issue had pretty much been dismissed by other manufacturers. But what about just breathing the gas in the event of leak? Here is the MSDS:

http://www.nationalref.com/pdf/19%20SDSR1234yf.pdf

[redcoats1976]

its all about the whales and seals and polar bears...we have way too many people,so anybody we can off by breathing poison is a plus.

[Gunkk]

When R1234YF burns it produces Hydrofluoric Acid. Good stuff!

[g-boac]

Certainly none of this is good to inhale when burning, but, I guess the logic here is that if there car were on fire, the risk posed by the presence of the combustion byproducts (whether HF or other), is overcome by the much greater threat posted by the fire itself. In other words, before the R1234YF would get you, the fire would.

[camaro5]

Very interesting... New tools, new safety rules, dealer service departments are playing catch-up right now.

Originally Posted by wavsine

By now, most people have heard of the new replacement refrigerant R1234YF. It is being phased in because it has a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) than R134A. There is some controversy surrounding the new refrigerant because it is slightly flammable. By most accounts, it is considered difficult to ignite with a spark. Daimler was outspoken about safety concerns regarding the new refrigerant. If there is a fire under the hood, it is not good.:

“It has been known for some time now that combustion of R1234yf results in the production of the toxic hydrogen fluoride,” said Andreas Kornath, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry. “Our analysis has now shown that 20% of the gases produced by combustion of the compound consist of the even more poisonous chemical carbonyl fluoride.”

https://www.labnews.co.uk/news/refri...on-17-04-2014/

GM plans to equip all vehicles in their model range with R1234YF by 2018. The Camaro got R1234YF in 2017. (There may be some 2016 models that got the new refrigerant)

Daimler's concerns with the flammability issue had pretty much been dismissed by other manufacturers. But what about just breathing the gas in the event of leak? Here is the MSDS:

http://www.nationalref.com/pdf/19%20SDSR1234yf.pdf

Compared with R134a, considerable upgrades to component quality and robustness, as well as compliance with a number of new SAE standards, have been engineered into R1234yf systems.

The systems are designed to prevent potential refrigerant leakage into the cabin.

To ensure workplace safety, new SAE standards apply to the equipment used to service R1234yf systems.

Some equipment is rated as compatible with both R134a and R1234yf and some equipment is suitable only for R1234yf.

R134a service equipment and system components are not interchangeable with R1234yf systems unless they meet the relevant SAE standards.

https://futuregas.ac/automotive/r1234yf/

R-1234yf in the North American market: Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze, Malibu, Colorado, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban; GMC Acadia, Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models; Cadillac ATS, CTS and XT5; and Buick Cascada and LaCrosse. There will be more vehicles added for the 2018MY.

http://sandyblogs.com/techlink/?p=5816

[iPODFAN11]

Originally Posted by camaro5

Very interesting... New tools, new safety rules, dealer service departments are playing catch-up right now.

No catch up, the tools are mandatory per GM. They straight up ship them to dealers and bill them later lol. We've had the stuff since early/mid last year. We actually had our stuff before the local Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep store, and the boys at Chrysler have had R-1234yf before GM started using it. Couple local body shops sent some Jeep Renegades here for a recharge because of that.

[Rustydaytons]

Global warming lol

[HoldMyBeer]

Originally Posted by Tyro

I know this is an old post but I wanted to chime in and say I just suffered the same event on my 2017 V6.

I don't know when I picked up the rock but am pretty sure I heard a faint hissing from the front of my car recently after parking it. Maybe that was the leak.

The local dealer just quoted me $1300CDN for the repair. Naturally warranty and extended service plan are no help here.

So, I had a similar issue and my dealer quoted me $1200 to fix it. I tried a different route and don’t know if this would apply in Canada but I filed a comprehensive auto insurance claim and my insurance covered it and I only had to pay my $100 deductible.
Got lucky they covered it

[Nitefall17]

Here is SDS or MSDS for it.

http://www.nationalref.com/pdf/19%20SDSR1234yf.pdf

[Nitefall17]

My Bad didn't even see it was posted above....

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by HoldMyBeer

So, I had a similar issue and my dealer quoted me $1200 to fix it. I tried a different route and don’t know if this would apply in Canada but I filed a comprehensive auto insurance claim and my insurance covered it and I only had to pay my $100 deductible.
Got lucky they covered it

I heard you can run R134a in that system with no problem. But I’m guessing the dealer wouldn’t do that...

[95 imp]

FYI- ALL refrigerants containing chlorine and/or fluorine produce nasty stuff. Hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and phosgene gas are generated when hitting an open flame. Mainly what you'd notice is the phosgene...

R1234YF contains a highly refined propane in the formula and that is why it is flammable. (which, ironically is in the methane gas family, i.e. the bad stuff that "causes global warming", if you believe in that gibberish)

I haven't heard if it is more, or less efficient than R134 since it is used in strictly mobile applications.

The church elders have deemed it necessary to go to straight propane as a refrigerant on small land based refrigeration. (Which will *probably* include domestic refrigerators) and everything has to have explosion proof electrical.

I do know that R134 (since it's used in both land and mobile apps) is 10% less efficient than good old R12.

[wwiiavfan]

R290 is the propane based refrigerant, and it supposedly has about 90% less global warming potential than what is being used now. It is quite flammable. It’s been implemented in the reach-in cooler industry for a few years now. The big long line of coolers at your local WalMart likely have R290 in them. Techs need special training, special equipment due to the flammability. It is not being used in large systems yet due to being limited on the volume of refrigerant, again because of flammability.
So, you might blow up, but hey you are saving the environment! 😀

[Vtor_ZL1]

If you got FIRE.. refrigerant is least of your concerns.