Tightening the A/C hoses to the back of compressor

[DeMopar]

How much should I tighten the bolt/bracket that holds the A/C lines to the back of the compressor? No matter how much I tighten the bolt down, the high side fitting against the back of the compressor will turn if I try to move it as if it is "riding" on the o-ring. Is this normal? It seems to be flush, but maybe the coating of oil on the o-ring is allowing it to slide? I am afraid of going too tight with the bolt because the threads are fine and wouldn't want to pull threads out. Oh, and I also used a bit of anti-seize on the bolt. I guess that's ok?

Thanks for all help!

Brian

[Bitsyncmaster]

I don't think there is anything to lock the pipe from turning. As long as your bolt is not bottoming out, just a light torque should seal the O-ring. That goes for all the AC hoses.

[David T]

You will never be able to tighten the bolt enough to prevent the hoses from turning. You will strip the threads out of the back cover first. Lube the "O" rings with refrigerant oil and make sure they are properly positioned and then get the bolt tight. That should make it leakproof.
David Teitelbaum

[DeMopar]

Thanks guys-that makes me feel better! I thought I was going nuts!

The bolt was on there pretty good to begin with and took a bit of force to break free. Never noticed if the fitting turned before dis-assembly. It sounds like I should snug it back up tight, but not too tight? As long as it holds vacuum it should be alright I guess.

Thanks again!

[DMCMW Dave]

The bolt was on there pretty good to begin with and took a bit of force to break free. Never noticed if the fitting turned before dis-assembly. It sounds like I should snug it back up tight, but not too tight? As long as it holds vacuum it should be alright I guess.

Thanks again!

Actually it has to hold a lot more pressure (close to 300 psi) than it has to hold vacuum (about 15 psi). A pressure test is a much more effective test of an A/C system than a vacuum test. Once you have charged the system it is never a vacuum.

But to your original question - don't worry about it, don't go crazy and strip the bolt. It's one of those "feel" things.