A/C hose specs

[Chumley360]

Just for giggles I figured I'd ask before I go and pull mine off. I found a melted hose the other day(got too close to a smog tube) and so it and others need replacing. I posted a want ad looking for some used ones, as I could find no vendor for new ones. But I remembered that I have a Weatherhead coll-o-crimp press and die set and some SAE J2064 spec hose(this is the hose rated for R12 and R134a refrigerant). I've got a few AC fittings, I don't think any of them are the ones I need, but I do have a purchasing source for a variety. So after all of that, does anyone know the lengths and fitting ends for these hoses? Also is there even any demand for them? The minimum purchase quantities will leave me with enough to do several sets.

[seventynine]

There is a woman (Krista Hart khart@easystreet.net) out in Oregon that makes AC hoses for our rigs. Here is one of her auctions:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-SJ-Grand-Wagoneer-J10-Cherokee-A-C-AIR-HOSES-NEW-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem43a03eb7e7QQitemZ29045 1273703QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

I am having her make me a set of three for my '77. You can get the set for around $150.

The problem with using old FSJ hoses is that they were never designed for R134. There are folks that have converted their old systems and never had a problem though....However I'm not one of them ....so I'm just going to replace everything other than the condenser and evaporator and start from scratch...and be done with it.

Supossedly the old gaskets in the compressors can get broken down from the R134 too.

Dean

[Chumley360]

Well I won't be using R134a anyhow. The stuff's fine, but I'm licensed and still have a good amount of R12. So until my supply runs out I'll just stick with it. Thanks for the link. Those hoses look great! I still think I'll make my own, I did a price check on a few various fittings and I won't be spending much over her sell cost(on that linked hose) on the fittings and I already have the hose and crimp tool. I am glad to see that someone is making these though, I got nervous not being able to find them through any of the big chains, that's the only reason I was looking at used hoses.

[seventynine]

Yeah...looking back I should have just rounded up some R12 and used that even if it did cost a bit more. My system has been tight as a drum so leaking hasn't been an issue.

In fact...who knows after rebuilding my system...maybe I will just charge it with R12...It works better anyway.

Dean

[Chumley360]

I've also used this stuff called Freeze12 and have had good luck with it in the older 12 systems. It costs a little more than 134, but less than 12. I haven't had a cooling or leaking problem with it, like I get with some 134 swaps. Good luck on your AC fix!

[Daddio]

I had the hose from the compressor to the condenser rebuilt and it was about $45. I took my old hose in and they reused the metal tubes, but put a new hose in between. It works fine and it might have been cheaper than a new one was back in the day. The store was a auto ac parts store, but they also rebuilt hoses and compressors. There must be a store like it in most major cities.

[jeeper54]

Anyone here ever try ES-12A? I get it from autorefrigerants.com and is comparibly cheap. I've used it to top off systems both 134A and R12 as it can replace both and is compatible with both oils. But I'm going to replace the condenser, receiver/dryer and expansion valve after I flush the system but not sure of using ES-12A for a total charge. The company also carries Freeze 12 (which I have never tried but my brother said was a comparible item) but this is supposed to be better and it is cheaper. And I am currently very much on the cheap. Thoughts?

[jeeper54]

Forgot to mention before I hijacked ---What type of hose do you need for 134A?

[Chumley360]

I've never used the ES-12a, but I have used the Freeze12 and haven been happy with that. The spec hose that is r12 and r134a compliant is SAE J2064. No matter who makes it, if it meets that spec you're in like Flint. Also I believe the r134a seals and o-rings are either nitrile or neoprene, not rubber. It's too early to remember exactly.

[seventynine]

I have heard good things about ES-12a. It supposedly works better than R134a and maybe better than R12. It is a propane based refrigerant though. In reading about it there are varying degrees of concern over using a highly compressed flammable refrigerant in a vehicle. I thought hard about using it but in the end decided not to.

I was planning on using Freeze 12 too but when I got to Pep Boys to pick some up they told me I needed a license to buy it.

Dean

[jeeper54]

I didn't think you need a licence for freeze 12. I don't think autorefrigerants requires it. But, isn't freeze 12 flammable also? I know ES-12A has a high flash point and a pine odor in case of evaporator leaks -similar to using natural gas or propane indoors.

[jeeper54]

I stand corrected and apologize. Freeze 12 is not flammable. It is more expensive than the ES-12A I've used but I think I'll try it when I get my system revamped. My brother tried it and liked it a few years ago but now uses his big brother (me) instead of a shop so it's been ES-12A. Freeze 12 didn't require a certification ( I still kick myself for not doing it and I wouldn't have had to pay for it at the time) but does require a signed form just like ES-12A. Since I'll use Freeze 12 the lines don't need to be upgraded do they?