Barrier vs Non-Barrier A/C hoses

[Westy]

Before I run out and buy new Barrier hoses, I wonder if you can tell the difference by looking at them. Certain writing on the hoses? I'm curious because the brass fittings on my 81 SC don't look old or tarnished. Unlike the York compressor!!

[scottb]

Hopefully Jim Sims, the resident a/c expert on the board, will chime in, but I **think** that barrier hoses say "barrier" on them. You might have to get under the car and wipe away some of the road grime, but look for printing on the hoses.

Jim, are you out there??

[Westy]

OK, how 'bout this. That sounds like 'Barrier' is a brand name. Are there other brands that are barrier-type?

I'm tellin' ya, when I do this A/C makeover, I want to make sure it is absolutely right. I'm even considering the Seiko Rotary, and that would buy a whole lot of beer!!!

[scottb]

I don't think barrier is a brand name. It's the description of the hose construction, or so I've been told. There's an inner hose and an outer, or barrier, hose.

[scottb]

As I said, Jim Sims is THE MAN when it comes to a/c on this board!

Thanks for the education.

[Westy]

Jim,,,are you smart???

Thanx

[Westy]

OK, Thanx again,,,,,,and while I have your attention, would it be worth the dollars to go with the Seiko Rotary as compared to the Sandin (wobble plate).

PS, You're my hero,,,,don't let me down

[scottb]

I've been told that, at best, the Seiko will drain less HP from the engine, but that it won't cool appreciably better than a conventional (i.e., piston) compressor. I think Vertex has a kit with the Sanden and a mounting plate for the SC.

Jim?

[Westy]

Thanx Jim. I know it gets hot down there, too. Did you ever consider a procooler or an extra condenser, or is the rest of your system pretty much stock? Brian

[RickM]

Has anyone machined or ground off the mounting tabs on the top of the Sanden? I've always found that feature to be unappealing.

[Phattey]

Wow...

What an education...

Great stuff...

[Westy]

Your deck lid condensor doesn't appear stock. Who makes that one, and are you happy with it. It looks like at least one more row than the stock one in my car.

Too early for cheers, Brian

[KobaltBlau]

Originally posted by Jim Sims
If an R-12 system was leak tight except for a compressor, condensor, etc. and the hose is in good shape I do not recommend changing out the non-barrier hose when converting to 134a. The mineral oil used with R-12 systems coated the interior of the non-barrier hose and greatly reduces permeation through it. Since mineral oil and R-134a refrierant are not miscible the oil stays in place on the interior of the hose continuing to slow down permeation.

So Jim, I have a stock R12 system where all components work and the hoses look good. I'm not too keen on filling it with R12 for $$$, losing it over a year or two, and harming the environment to boot. What you're saying is that I can try filling it with R134a, and it may work fine? I do believe there is still oil in place on the interior of the hose.

Thanks so much, in advance!

[911pcars]

What Jim described is basically how current A/C systems are configured (e.g. triple pressure switches, subcool condensers, etc.). Tech person at Toyota also told me the same about using non-barrier hoses w/HFC-134a. Jim, nice job describing the mods.

Sherwood

[brcorp]

Originally posted by Jim Sims
The subcooler and fittings cost about $50. Tonight I'll post some images.

Jim,

Where did you purchase the subcooler? I've searched the web before but haven't had any luck.

[Westy]

Ditto Jim, and please post the pics,,,I'l wait until it's covenient.

[brcorp]

Jim,

Do you have any dyno results? or is this just a seat of the pants / perception that the car is cooler?

Oops sorry, wrong thread.....(I'm so funny, I kill me....)

The big question, did it work?

[vash]

westy, keep an eye out for that yellow colored early 911. i think it is nearby in your area. jim sims, that is a great AC thread! thanks.