Retrofiting air conditioner

[CJHenderson]

I'm updating my air conditioner from R12 to the R-134 standard and my question is. Does the hoses need to be changed out also?

[George Des]

You should change out the hoses and the fittings with the conversion. Two reasons (1) the R134A has a tendency to "leak" through the older hose. The new hoses are a barrier hose specifically designed to contain the smaller molecules of the R134A. There is some thought that the older hose will over time block the leakage because of the oil used with the R12. But the biggest reason to change is (2) The R134A systems operate at higher pressures and the fittings used with it are designed to use orings to contain this higher pressure. Hope this helps.

[CJHenderson]

Thanks for the information that helps big time. My next question is there instructions in retrofitting the compressor. The kit does not have the instruction sheet.