A/C Line Repair

[huskerhayman]

Put a new a/c compressor on my Case IH 885. The a/c was working awesome! I mowed all day in 25 mph wind and 95 degree heat and was nice and comfy. Then I went to put the tractor away and heard a hiss when I shut it off. It turns out when I put the new compressor on the suction side mode going to the condenser got a little to close to the pulley. After a few choice words and feeling dumb I settled down. This is a really long hose that goes from the condenser the whole length of the tractor to the dryer that is mounted behind the cab. Is there any chance I can get away with using a hose barb and some hose clamps since it is the low side?

 

[Jw5875]

www.autocoolingsolutions.com

Great people --- I have used the repair hose etc!!!!!!!!!

jw5875

 

[huskerhayman]

That is a neat product but it is more for the steel line. I should clarify that the rubber part of the line on mine is cut.

 

[Texan4Life]

being on the suction side yes you could use a hose barb and clamps... but there are probably some better solutions out there.... Back in the old r12 days some cars came from the factory with hose barbs and gear clamps.

But r134a has a smaller molecule size so chances are it would seep if you go this route. How much who knows.

edit: here is another good AC site http://www.acsource.com/

 

[ray66v]

Yes, you can use an a/c hose barb.

Make sure you use a/c hose clamps, and if anything looks funny after you tighten it all up, start again with new clamps.

If you had an oil loss when it depressurized, make sure you add some oil.

I have a bolt and 2 hose clamps, plugging an ac line for the rear unit on my Villager. It has held on with pressures up to 300 psi. for years.

I don't recommend it be done that way, but I really did not expect the van to last more than another summer, when I did it 4 years ago. And I am the only one who is working on it. :thumbsup:

 

[skipmarcy]

Yes, I too say you can use a barbed fitting and hose clamps but be warned - neither hose to or from the condenser is a low side hose !!! The hose from the compressor to the condenser is the discharge hose and high pressure. From the condenser to the orfice tube or expansion valve is the liquid line and also high pressure. If your system has a drier, it will be in the condenser area. If it has an accumulator, that will be in the suction side from the evaporator to the compressor. Make sure your connections are tight and don't forget - R134a must be installed strictly by weight - you need to know your exact system capacity. A variance of just a few ounces either way will cut performance drastically. You can't just get it close like R12 and get good performance. Good luck with your repair !!!

 

[huskerhayman]

I had it mixed up, the line is off the evaporator. I always get them confused. I used a barb today and then my old ac vac took a dump so I am not sure if it worked. Guess it is time for a new vacuum pump. Seems like stuff breaking never ends sometimes.