quote:Are you sure that expansion valves for R134a had a different size orifice? The description of expansion valves state compatible with R12 and R134a therefore now I am a bit confused. I was planning to replace the expansion valve anyway.
https://nostalgicac.com/flare-expansion-valve.html
What they should more correctly say is the R134a valve will work in a R12 application, as R12 specific valves are now hard to find.
quote:I can make the new hoses to have flared ends for the condenser and evaporator, or I can have them made with the newer O ring type fittings and then use adapters. The adapter adds another place for a possible leak but if I ever wanted to upgrade the evaporator or condenser there would not be a need to replace the hoses, just eliminate the adapter. Any opinions on which way to go?
If you want to upgrade the condenser and evaporator why not do it now and ensure it all fits correctly?
quote:I am still debating what to do about the compressor. The Sanden 508-type compressor offered by Summit is made by Vintage Air, are these made in the USA or China?
Looking at Vintage Air website it would appear their Sanden compressors are true Sanden, beware anything that says "Sanden style"
quote:Compressors seem to come with PAG oil. If I am replacing all the hoses and flushing the condenser and evaporator should I still dump the PAG and go with Ester oil instead? Seems to me that I should be able to use PAG as there should be very little to no residual oil.
I have worked on more systems where the issue has been the incompatibility of the two oils gelling than anything else, but if you want to ask for advice and then second guess it with confidence you can get all the mineral oil out then go for it!