My understanding is if you do not replace your A/C hoses with the new 134 barrier hoses, your system will leak over time, as the R-12 hoses are permeable to the smaller r134 molecules.

Todd
'88 Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: "JRodgers" <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
To: "List, Vanagon Mailing" <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, May 8, 2013 3:19:26 AM
Subject: Re: AC 134a refrigerant leak down

Good stuff to know about. When the system was overhauled - the system
was upgraded from R-12 to R134a with a kit from Van-Cafe that had all
tht newer type seals. The thing didn't leak a drop from months,, then it
started slowly losing it's cool - so to speak. Then I tarted adding a
can of 134a once in a while. But I would like to stop that - and was
hoping the sealant would do the trick. Next time I add some I will use
a type with sealant and dye.

Thanks,

John

On 5/7/2013 9:23 PM, Tom Hargrave wrote:
> Yep, that's why you replace the O-ring seals with less porous seals. They
> used to also replace the rubber hoses for the same reason until the AC
> community "discovered" that once the old hoses were soaked with refrigerant
> oil they sealed themselves tight enough to hold R134a. But the front
> compressor seal is never replaced & often they will leak enough R134a to
> pass a can or more / month.
>
> Thanks, Tom Hargrave
> www.stir-plate.com
> www.towercooler.com
> www.kegkits.com
> www.grow-sun.com
>
>