A/C Hoses?

Evel Knievel · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:20 pm Post subject: A/C Hoses?

I'm close to finally getting the A/C working on my 83. The A/C was previously converted to that new refrigerant but still has the old hoses. I need a recharge but my mechanic guy says that I'm going to need new hoses for the new refrigerant because it will leak out of the old hoses since the molecules are smaller. Is this guy right or full of crap?

Thanks!

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 1:15 pm Post subject:

I'm not a physics kind of guy, but it sounds believable. acauth1 would be the guy to ask...he's a cool dude! Laugh

rhimmel · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:01 pm Post subject:

Most replacement hoses produced these days are made of the "barrier hose" that your guy is talking about. This is where aftermarket vs OE can actually be a benefit. I have run R134a with original (AcDelco) hoses and it didn't show any signs of leakage, even after two years! Mostly its all dependent upon the condition of the hoses on the car. If they are marginal, the slightly raised high side pressures of the R134A can "bring out" their weakness. Most manifold assemblies are not all that expensive. Most of the R4 compressor applications are still available however the older style A6's are not. Pm me if you are in need, I can check availability and current pricing. Also, verify which compressor you have, though I do believe that in '83 it was the R4 (pancake style) and not so much the A6 (long, heavy, get the cherry picker to get it out from under the hood style)

-Rob
_________________
Rhimmel
'81 El Camino

boboyen · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject:

If you do replace them there's usually a local hose shop that can reuse the ends from your old hose assy & just crimp on new hose at a better price (& quality) then aftermarket replacements (if they are available).
I just had my son's '79 Nova done for $100 & it's a large manifold assembly.
Just a thought.

Bob

Evel Knievel · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info guys! I'll have those old hoses replaced, they were probably the reason the A/C needed a recharge in the first place.