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AC Hose - R-134A?

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    AC Hose - R-134A?

    I'm upgrading the AC on my cabrio and want to replace hoses that are not R-134A compatible. The condenser-to-dryer hose 6453839104was previously replace and has a manufacture date of 2/98. It's in good shape, so I'd prefer to reuse it. Based on the production date, should I assume it's R-134A compatible? Per RealOEM, the current part number (6453839104) superseded 64531381741 in 10/92.

    Thanks, Cory
    1992 325i Cabrio
    1988 320i Touring
    2000 M5
    1977 530i
    2015 328i - Euro Delivery/Performance Center Delivery
    BMWCCA
    E30CCA

    #2
    Thirty year old hose...replace it! I took my hoses to a hydraulic hose shop and they replaced all the hoses for about $100. One that went to the evaporator they didn't have the correct end and I got that one from BMW.
    2004 525i Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by tomstin View Post
      Thirty year old hose...replace it! I took my hoses to a hydraulic hose shop and they replaced all the hoses for about $100. One that went to the evaporator they didn't have the correct end and I got that one from BMW.
      Technically 24 years old (based on 2/98 date stamped on the hose), but you are correct. I should replace it and probably will. Just tough to shell out $135 to replace a hose that seems to be in really good shape. Thanks for the reply!

      Cory
      1992 325i Cabrio
      1988 320i Touring
      2000 M5
      1977 530i
      2015 328i - Euro Delivery/Performance Center Delivery
      BMWCCA
      E30CCA

      Comment


        #4
        Yes, assume that the new hose is for 134a, and if you search for engineering supply houses they might be able to direct you to a local shop that can make barrier AC lines.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by roguetoaster View Post
          Yes, assume that the new hose is for 134a, and if you search for engineering supply houses they might be able to direct you to a local shop that can make barrier AC lines.
          Thank you!
          1992 325i Cabrio
          1988 320i Touring
          2000 M5
          1977 530i
          2015 328i - Euro Delivery/Performance Center Delivery
          BMWCCA
          E30CCA

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by cory58 View Post

            Thank you!
            Unless damaged, your original 30 y.o lines are perfectly fine and reusable. what is not exactly compatible are old R12 o-rings on those lines. You need HNBR (green) o-rings. If in good shape (free of any damage/rust), you can flush all old oil and crap from those lines with Lubegard Kooler Kleen, then use a little bit non chlor. brake cleaner with some compressed air to get them totally clean. Obviously every other component needs to be new and R134a comp.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by zaq123 View Post

              Unless damaged, your original 30 y.o lines are perfectly fine and reusable. what is not exactly compatible are old R12 o-rings on those lines. You need HNBR (green) o-rings. If in good shape (free of any damage/rust), you can flush all old oil and crap from those lines with Lubegard Kooler Kleen, then use a little bit non chlor. brake cleaner with some compressed air to get them totally clean. Obviously every other component needs to be new and R134a comp.
              My understanding has always been that barrier hose made for R134A is a different material than the old R12 hose, and the smaller molecules of R134A can slowly escape through hose made for R12. Is that not correct?

              Thanks, Cory
              1992 325i Cabrio
              1988 320i Touring
              2000 M5
              1977 530i
              2015 328i - Euro Delivery/Performance Center Delivery
              BMWCCA
              E30CCA

              Comment


                #8
                Sounds highly unlikely. The R12 hose wont be "Rated" for R134a because R134a didn't exist back then.

                If the hose is in physical good condition and it passes a vacuum test, id run it. if it looks poor or If you have money to burn buy a new one.

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