the Road to Labrador

["Brian Collinsworth" <aprtay@xxxxxxx>]

Also on these hoses, the oil that is ran in the old system soaks into the
hoses and creates a very good seal that seals off the tiny holes that are a
part of the rubber hoses. I read an article in a magazine that stated that
if the A/C was used for a time with the old R12, it would seal the hoses
enough to use R134a without leakage. The problem comes when you buy a
replacement R12 type hose and use it with a R134a system, then you have
leaks. Of course if your hoses are deteriorated from engine heat, oil and
other contaminants, they will leak no matter what.
Brian



> Alan, sounds like an interesting trip.  Regarding you
> AC hoses.  Your mechanic MAY be trying to sell you
> something.  Let me explain.  With to the introduction
> of R134, AC hoses became known as "barrier
> hose" because the molecule of 134 is smaller than
> R12 and would slowly pass through the R12 type hoses.
> That said, it doesn't NECESSARILY mean they have to be
> replaced.  Some people, just convert to 134 with the
> WalMart (or whatever) kit and plan on adding a can of
> 134 every 6 months or so.  At less than 4 bucks a can
> this is pretty cost effective.
>
> If you do need new hoses it's no big deal.  I had all
> new hoses made for my 73 and all three only cost about
> $100.  Most places that fabricate hydraulic hoses can
> easily make them.  Ask around at your parts store.  I
> live in a town of 200,000 and we have 3 places that do
> it.
>
> Kerryp
> --- Alan Harper <alan__harper@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
>
> <snip>
>
> > They say my AC hoses are
> > all leaking, so I need new hoses all around for
> my
> > AC to work.  They don't
> > have them in stock.  They may be able to
> fabricate
> > them.
> >
>
> <Snip>