thanks Robert,   So, what are barrier hoses and where does one get them?  What is "an appropriate sealer"?

Thanks, mcneely

---- Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> What I've always read (but have not researched for myself) is that the R134
> molecule is smaller than the R12 molecule and so will eventually leak out
> through the hoses unless one installs "barrier hoses" or adds an
> appropriate sealer to the existing system.
> On Jan 21, 2014 5:25 PM, "Dave Mcneely" <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
>
> > My 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile with factory air conditioning and
> > a 2.1 liter engine (159k miles) loses refrigerant over the course of a
> > summer.  It had it converted to R134a two springs ago.  It got all new
> > fittings, the system was flushed, and new proper lubricant for R134 was
> > added.  It cooled wonderfully well, but by summer's end it was not doing
> > so, despite two shops claiming not  to be able to determine that it was
> > leaking.  They reported that with a "leak down test" over 24 hours, it held
> > proper pressure.
> >
> > So, next spring it needed recharging again, and again, "leak down test
> > reveals no leak."  By summer's end, it was not cooling.  Recharging
> > resulted in the thing cooling marvelously, air temperature from the plenum
> > being around 48 F.  So, what do I do now?  I plan to use the camper this
> > spring, summer, fall and will need air conditioning for some trips through
> > the plains and Southwest.
> >
> > Help!
> >
> > David McNeely
> >

--
David McNeely