Separating condenser hose from evaporator?
I decided to replace the AC system before tuning and test driving my 3.0L swap, and I’m starting by removing the three hoses.
I’m stuck on the one from the evaporator to the condenser. I got the nut off with a crows foot wrench, which was surprisingly easy. But I can’t actually get the hose to separate from the evaporator. The nut on the evaporator freely spins (with a wrench, anyway) and spins the attached threads with it, so it’s not friezes in place. I just cannot get the hose to release. I even tried prying with a pry bar against the accumulator fo leverage, but it will not budge.
Is there some trick to disconnecting this line?
Thanks!
— Joe
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Separating condenser hose from evaporator?
Are you replacing the hose and the evaporator or just hose?
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Separating condenser hose from evaporator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jangell
I’m going to convert to R134. I plan in replacing everything, but I wanted to keep the hose ends in case I have them made locally or need them for core swaps. I’m pretty sure everything in here is original. This weekend I’m just trying to get the hoses out.
I guess I could try to cut it out on the evaporator side, but I’m really curious about how to get these apart.
— Joe
The Evap tube is aluminum, the hose fitting steel
If you can, carefully apply heat to the male nut. A heat gun or carefully placed propane torch flame. Put wet rags around the peripheral area. For protection.
If, you are going 134a, I prefer the modern barrier hose kit system supplied from DPI.
I also upgraded to the quieter Sanden SD7H15 Compressor.
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Separating condenser hose from evaporator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jangell
Worth a shot — thanks.
I just tried hitting it with a MAP torch briefly, before I realized how close the pressure switch harness was. A bit of melted rubber smell from that, but no damage. Might be worth trying again with more fire protection in there.
I also tried a heat gun, but it didn’t seem to do much I think I’m heating up the steel as much as the aluminum due to the space constraints. I might give it another try tomorrow. At worst, I’ll give up and cut it out. An A/C shop a few years back thought I had a leak at the evaporator anyway, which is why I’m doing all this in the first place (“while I’m in there...”)
But it should just come out, right? I just want to make sure I’m not missing something, like a lock or a spring release or something.
I’m definitely going to install barrier hoses. I don’t want to have to to keep recharging it all the time. I’ll be getting a compatible compressor as well, as I need something that works with the belts on the 3.0L engine.
Thanks!
— Joe
Use a wet rag to cool the steel tube.
You can also try some penetrating oil where the joint is.
Its just corrosion between the two causing them to be stuck together.
Frankly, there is no reason to try and save the steel hose ends. Try to put small vice grip up on the steel in the expanded diameter area.
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Separating condenser hose from evaporator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
FABombjoy
Depending on your AC setup or how comfortable you are with deviating from stock, there are external orifice tube repair options, too.
Even damaged the orifice may still work, too. My tube is all gouged up (my own fault) but the O rings on the valve must have seated well enough as it cools without issue and doesn't freeze up.
My original was somewhat buggered up and had internal pit corrosion. I replaced it back in 2009.
A job I never wish to do again.
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