The type of refrigerant characteristics affect what's needed in the 
     hose.  For example I've been told the new R134A permeates the old 
     hoses, so a new type hose must be used that has an inner skin that 
     cannot be punctured by hose barb fittings.  I've heard there are some 
     drop in replacement refrigerants that aren't officially sanctioned by 
     the automotive engineers (SAE), which work well.  Most of the 
     replacement refrigerants I've heard of are a blend of gases, which 
     means the system must be charged only from the liquid state (very 
     carefully to avoid busting the compressor).  Reason is, a blend's 
     gases are not homogenous, so the lighter ones would go in first which 
     would mess up the charg� in your system.
     
     I haven't heard of fr12, however.  Is it a blend?
     
     

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: A/C  hoses  and fr12 refrigerant
Author:  dboehler@TAOS.MIDWEST.NET at EXTERNAL
Date:    3/5/98 4:25 PM

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    My  86 westy has some a/c hoses that need replaced and I have been
trying to locate some bulk a/c hoses. I received a quote of $3.75 for 1/2
inch and $4.50 for 5/8 inch per  foot of hose.   This place will install the
factory like hose clamps included at  that price.  These hoses will handle
all the old and latest refrigerants.  This hose place normally does
hydraulic and high pressure air for farmers, coal mines and other industrial
applications.  I ask  the list if this seems like an OK price?
     I am considering using fr12 after I finish the hose job. It is quite a
lot cheaper than r12 and according to Pennzoil dealer will cool as well as
r12. Any comments  on fr12  are encouraged and welcome.

Darrell Boehler
Makanda Illinois