There are three 4seasons a/c accumulators to choose from, which one should I get for a R134a retrofit:
- with barb fitting (around $40)
- with beadlock fitting (around $90)
- with hose assembly (around $100)
Any reasons to get the one with the hose already attached?
Thanks
I believe that the factory style is with the hose attached. The only plus to it being attached already is you don't have to get it crimped on the Barb fitting. The biggest downfall I see to the Beadlock is the chance of a leak at the connection would be higher than a crimped on fitting. As for witch one to get for a R134a setup they are all the same you have listed the only differences that I know of.
Get the complete assembly. It isn't worth the time time and money to have a hose put on unless you have a custom setup. If the current hose is the original (20 years old) I would replace it regardless.
Barrier hose manufacturers don't recommend using barb fittings as they can pierce the interior sheath and cause a leak. However, people do it and don't generally have problems.
Barbed hose fitting tech: [Link (http://"http://www.autoacforum.com/messageview.cfm?catid=2&threadid=14922&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE=")]
All accumulators come with desiccant that is compatible with R12 and R134a
ok, thank you for the info!