can i change the hoses on my R12 gauge manifold and use it with R134a or do i need to buy a complete manifold gauge set for R134a? thanks

 

Ede,

The manifold and hoses are functionally the same. The differences are in the connectors and the handy little pressure/temperature graduations on the face of the gauges. Instead of new hoses, you might be able to find adapter fittings to use your current R-12 hoses and manifold. Many "new" gauge manifolds still come with ¼" SAE flares (with 7/16-20 threads, just like your old gauge set) and still need the ½" Acme thread adapter for automotive low-side charge ports.

You can purchase these adapters almost anywhere, and for a lot less than a new manifold. Here are some on-line possibilities:

http://www.heco.net/AC_Tools.htm (Reasonable prices)

http://whiteac.com/retrofit.html

http://www.rparts.com/Catalog/Tools_...gauge_sets.asp

As for the P/T charts, which ones do you want? I can scan them if you need them.

 

I bought the adaptor fittings from SnapOn to use my R12 guages and hoses on a R134a system. I havn't seen an R12 system in years now so there was no sense in letting my old guages gather dust.

 

How much does a good gauge set cost these days? All the fittings on my old R4 gauges leak.

 

snap on is around or over 300 dollars, i usually buy snap on tools 3 new lines would be in the 60 dollar range.