puntured A/C line

[Jesse]

I was testing my Radio by connecting it to the battery directly (still dead,
grr) and when I pulled it off a spark flew off and burnt a hole in my A/C
line running near the battery. It is about the size of a pencil head but the
mechanic said it could not be patched and JB Weld wouldn't hold. Any other
opinions on that? Sounds ify so I'll do the right thing a replace it. I have
the Haynes Shop Manual but it isn't too clear. I've heard things about
special freon compatible oil and rubber gaskets that need to be replaced and
keeping all dirt out of the system. Any tips (or a walk through) about what
is involved with replacing the line would be greatly apreciated.

Thanks,
Jesse

 

[Philip Nasadowski]

I've heard things about
special freon compatible oil and rubber gaskets that need to be replaced and
keeping all dirt out of the system. Any tips (or a walk through) about what
is involved with replacing the line would be greatly apreciated.

The lines all bolt on. However, ANY refrigeration system needs to be
VERY clean, VERY VERY VERY clean inside to work right.

JB Weld won't work, the pressures are quite high. And the freon's out
anyway, so all you'll do is patch up a hole. I'd wrap it today (not
tommorrow), with electric tape, if only to keep any junk from getting in
until you can replace that hose.

The local junkyard likey has a suitable one, and they're bolt on - 10mm
bolts. I suppose the o rings need to be replaced too, but I didn't on
mine.

Here's the catch. You can't recharge the system. If it's R-12, you'll
end up onverting it to R-134a, if it's R-134a, you still can't. Why?
Because that nice sealed system has been exposed. Sure, it might work,
but you might waste the compressor or not get good performance.

You need a shop that can 'pump down' the system, then charge it
properly. Not cheap. Might as well let them replace the hose, too -
that's the easy part anyway - just unbolt, remove, bolt in new. Remove
the air inlet duct and it's just there. Pay attention to the origional
routing. 10mm bolts...

If you've got a friend that has the right pump and can pump it for you
and refill it, it's no biggie. Just replace the hose, keep everything
clean (don't wash it with water!), and pump/recharge.

But do cover that hole in the meantime - at least dirt and oil and water
will be less likely to get in.