Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:29:32 +0000
Reply-To: rubatoguy@COMCAST.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Todd Last <rubatoguy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: AC High Side - line leak - rubber hose
Make sure you get the new barrier hose used for R-134. It will work with R-12 systems and is less prone to leaking. Note:
The original type of hose was designed during the time period when R12 refrigerant was inexpensive and it's affect on the ozone level was not known. This old fashion hose line slowly leaks (permeates) refrigerant through it's skin overtime. It was common to "top off" or recharge the system on a yearly basis. Today, with the high cost of R12 it's not wise to have leaks of any kind. With the introduction of R134a refrigerant the a/c industry determined that the original type hose leaked R134a at a greater rate than R12. To solve the problem a new type of hose was designed that has inner liner which reduces rate of permeation (leakage) of refrigerants through the hose wall. It's called "barrier" hose
See: http://www.griffiths.com/achelp/achelp1.html
For good info on automotive A/C. The site is specific to Porsche, but their systems are very similar to the Vanagon. (long hose runs and compressor in the back of the vehicle.)
Todd
'88 Westy
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "John C..." <Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET>
> >You can snake the old one out in less than half an hour. Putting
> > the new one back in, with a bottle of soap handy, is easier than removing
> > the old hardened hose.
>
> Cut the bugger in sections --- it will fall out.
> JC...
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: Jim Felder
>
> > I agree with Ken. I just did that, and the cost was as he quoted. Don't buy
> > the hose. You can snake the old one out in less than half an hour. Putting
> > the new one back in, with a bottle of soap handy, is easier than removing
> > the old hardened hose.
> > Jim
> >
> >
> > On Wed, Jun 18, 2008 at 11:45 AM, Ken Wilford wrote:
> >
> > > Take your old line off, go to a local A/C shop or hydraulic hose shop,
> > > get them to make you a new one, it will be around $95 or maybe less.
> > > That is the cheapest/best way to go. Hope this helps,
> > > Ken Wilford
> > > John 3:16
> > > www.vanagain.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Jack R. wrote:
> > >
> > >> My 84 Westy has a leak in the AC line, (high side) in the rubber hose,
> > >> about
> > >> 12 inches from the compressor, beyond the ridged line.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> I price the replacement hose which runs from the back all the way forward
> > >> to
> > >> the condenser, the cost of this line in excess of $325.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> I wondered if anyone has come up with an alternate solution to replacing
> > >> the
> > >> entire line.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Any suggestions welcome. no rush, as it is currently 59 degrees in
> > >> Detroit!!! But, I know summer is going to be here soon. I hope!
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Thanks!
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Jack R.
> > >>
> > >> 84 Westy Wolfie.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
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