I am not an HVAC engineer by any means, but with the cost of R-22, one might consider, when replacing major AC components, using the o-ring style connectors instead of the flared.
The O-ring style are what are used on R-134 systems. You can never eliminate all of the flared fittings in the Pantera (expansion valve issue). By reducing the majority of the flares, if you should convert, it would be less prone to leakage. Just something to consider down the road.
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