So today I tried adding Red Tek 12a to my A/C system. Long story short as soon as the compressor kicked on I got a face full of refrigerant because there is a cut in the AC hose from the compressor to the condenser.
I looked on RockAuto but can't see the line. How do I get a replacement line? Does anyone have a part # ? I am in Canada so would prefer a source here to buy from. If I have a part # that could help me track a part down.
Worst case I'm thinking I can go to a local AC shop and see if they have some ideas....
Thanks
You'll have to get a hose shop to just replace the rubber part of the hose while reusing your old metal ends. Very common procedure - I'd hope there is a shop around somewhere that can do it for you. I use a shop in Austin for mine.
There are 3 different hoses listed in the parts book, depending on if factory or American Air; and which ends are on the hoses.
Just find a place to re-hose your old one.
Quote from: AMC of Houston on May 09, 2024, 06:38:36 PM
You'll have to get a hose shop to just replace the rubber part of the hose while reusing your old metal ends. Very common procedure - I'd hope there is a shop around somewhere that can do it for you. I use a shop in Austin for mine.
There are 3 different hoses listed in the parts book, depending on if factory or American Air; and which ends are on the hoses.
Just find a place to re-hose your old one.
I'm sure there is somewhere in town that could re-do a hydraulic hose. Mine is factory A/C, 86.
Oh man, DUH, I just remembered I have a parts car that's basically identical LOL I'm going to go parts hunting on it tomorrow! I'm quite sure it has A/C although I haven't taken a part off it since last year.
Quote from: AMC of Houston on May 09, 2024, 06:38:36 PM
You'll have to get a hose shop to just replace the rubber part of the hose while reusing your old metal ends. Very common procedure - I'd hope there is a shop around somewhere that can do it for you. I use a shop in Austin for mine.
There are 3 different hoses listed in the parts book, depending on if factory or American Air; and which ends are on the hoses.
Just find a place to re-hose your old one.
I agree with this recommendation. An AC shop should be able to replace the bad part of your hose pretty easily. Good luck!
I swapped the line from the parts car and put in a can of 12a. I discovered a leak at the condenser it looks like I may have cross threaded that connection. Whoops. I will take it apart and look closer another day.
Edit: I worked on it after supper. I did indeed cross thread the connection at the condenser but I was able to very carefully re-attach the hose and it seems correct and secure. I charged it up, got nice cold A/C with one can, and now fingers crossed it doesn't leak all out in the next day or two. I also replaced the O-rings with new green ones.
Dumb question, but you did evacuate all the air out of the system before charging it, right?
Quote from: MIPS on May 11, 2024, 01:00:39 PM
Dumb question, but you did evacuate all the air out of the system before charging it, right?
Not a a dumb question, and no because I don't have a vacuum pump. If I was to do it right, I would replace the filter dryer which you can still buy new https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=814923&cc=1003554&pt=6972&jsn=333 and then pull a vacuum on the system for ~20 mins before refilling with a measured amount.
Right now I just wanted to see if I could get it working so I was not being picky about the details. If it continues to hold a charge I may fix it right. However there is nothing more permanent than a temporary fix that works.
This may be an option if you don't want to replace the dryer: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/red-tek-dry12-a-c-dehydration-treatment-4-oz-0146134p.html?loc=plp it looks like it might be a smart choice, maybe even in addition to a new dryer I'm not sure.
My suggestion for now is run it as-is and see if the charge holds. If it lasts two or three months, I'd roll up to whoever does refrigerant jobs while doing an oil change and just have them pump it down and buy another can to recharge it on the way home.
How important is it to have a vacuum pulled? It works today no problem.
Pulling it to vacuum removes moisture from the system, plus most refrigerants don't like being "contaminated" with normal air because the loop (and the TXV and the high/low pressure switches) relies on the pressure of whatever refrigerant it was designed for and air is well, air. It's inert for refrigeration purposes.
I am now shopping Amazon for a vacuum pump LOL
You can also get a cheap one at harbor freight.
I ordered one from Amazon it should be here in the next day or two.
A week later it's still ICE cold. I am considering replacing the drier, O-rings, and vacuuming and re-charging with 12a. I am optimistic now that it's still working great after a week. I bet with new O-rings and proper vacuum/ dry air it might last quite a while, I want it to at least last the whole summer.
Well a month later it was still blowing ice cold so I proceeded to evacuate the system, replace the drier, pull a vacuum and recharge. I used one can of Ultra-Cool 12a even though it called for 1.8 cans' worth it was blowing cold and the pressure was OK so I didn't want to keep adding. I may go back and add more later.
The shop manual says to remove the radiator to replace the drier but it's much easer to remove the grille and drivers headlight bucket to gain access to the connections.