It is quite likely that Sanden uses more different connector styles than any other compressor manufacturer.  To a large extent this is due to the fact that they are a major supplier to the automobile industry - an industry that always wants its own non-interchangeable design.  Because non-automotive applications (such as engine-driven marine refrigeration) are such a small part of their business, most manufacturers of these systems end up using whatever they can get hold of at a reasonable price.  As an owner or service technician working on these systems, you need to know how to identify and accommodate the many variations you will find in the field.  Use the information below and our Sanden Selection & Conversion Guide to help you select the right compressor and connection components for your application.

With the switch to R-134a refrigerants has come the virtual elimination of traditional male flare type connectors.  The common replacement, and the connector used in all R134a version Sanden compressors is the "O-Ring" type connector (see images at right and below).  These connectors are designed to accommodate special hose end fittings and cannot be readily attached directly to copper tubing.  On Sanden compressors, the high-pressure (discharge) side uses a 1/2" (also called #8) o-ring while the low-pressure (suction) side uses a  5/8" (also called #10) o-ring.  These fittings are available on RParts custom-made refrigerant hoses.

CAUTION - If you are converting an R-12 system to R-134a, your old R-12 hoses may not be be compatible.  R-134a hoses are different from those intended for R-12 applications.  Use of incompatible hose will result in rapid loss of refrigerant and may permanently damage your system.  If you have recently purchased your hose, it may be compatible with both.  If you are unsure, consider ordering affordable,  high quality, custom-made R-134a hoses from RParts,

With the introduction of R-134a there was a concern that automotive A/C technicians would become confused and mix the new (R-134a) and old (R-12) refrigerants.  To prevent this a law was passed making it illegal for compressor manufacturers to sell "automotive" type compressors with 1/4" ports. If they are going to include ports they must (by law) be the of the R-134a "automotive" type.  The photo on the right shows the difference.

One of the easiest ways to put access ports into your system is to use hose connectors that integrate the access ports into them.  Rparts offers your choice of 1/4" flare or R-134a "Automotive" style ports.  When making your selection, remember keep the following items in mind;

The correct hose compressor end connectors are: