what to use for 5/16 ac line repair

Knebel

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Hello,

this is notregarding a c-body but more of a general question. Our daily driver has a leak in the ac liquid line (clearly a hole in it and jb weld wont do the trick). I found special compression fittings for a 5/16 AC line repair but am wondering if i should bend a new piece of tubing for it and splice that in with two of those fittings. The question is, what is different about 5/16 AC tubing vs fuel tubing? i have a bunch of alu tubing but that is fuel line and i dont know if that holds the pressure. Anyone know? or where to get a foot of tubing for ac?

buying the replacement part is out of the question since its 400$ for some pre bent tubing.
 
Hello,

this is notregarding a c-body but more of a general question. Our daily driver has a leak in the ac liquid line (clearly a hole in it and jb weld wont do the trick). I found special compression fittings for a 5/16 AC line repair but am wondering if i should bend a new piece of tubing for it and splice that in with two of those fittings. The question is, what is different about 5/16 AC tubing vs fuel tubing? i have a bunch of alu tubing but that is fuel line and i dont know if that holds the pressure. Anyone know? or where to get a foot of tubing for ac?

buying the replacement part is out of the question since its 400$ for some pre bent tubing.

AC tubing is high pressure, thick wall tubing, usually rated in excess of 350psi and it is usually made out of an aluminum alloy. Fuel tubing has a much lower rating and is not up to the pressure generated by an AC system. If your leak is in a straight enough spot to install a repair fitting do that type of repair with a single fitting. I am assuming this repair is to the metal line, the flex lines are not repairable other than to replace the hose. Each fitting you add is another potential spot where your system might leak. If a single fitting repair is not an option, you can probably find 5/16 tubing at a wrecking yard, it is all rated pretty much the same, note it is very tough stuff and difficult to bend. You will need to thoroughly evacuate the system and replace the filter dryer. You will probably lose most of the refrigerant oil in the process, so be sure to add oil before attempting to recharge the system. This process should really be done at a qualified shop so you have the proper amount of oil and refrigerant put into the system.

Dave
 
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As Dave stated above, A/C line is very heavy duty, and these systems are only to be worked on by certified repairers. What you can do, is get the complete used line from a wrecking yard, and have a shop splice it in. I would have the complete metal section replaced. Then at this time your system should be converted to use R134 if your car used R12.
 
I take all my A/C lines to a shop and they rebuild them. Maybe you can find a shop in your area. It was about $100 a line.

I went to Benz Hyraulics in Bear, De.
 
As Dave stated above, A/C line is very heavy duty, and these systems are only to be worked on by certified repairers. What you can do, is get the complete used line from a wrecking yard, and have a shop splice it in. I would have the complete metal section replaced. Then at this time your system should be converted to use R134 if your car used R12.

In the greater Portland Or area, Mac's radiator on Foster Rd does quality repairs, they have a good shop and can weld things like Aluminum radiators and condensers. If your high pressure line is some odd ball that is hard to find, that is where I would take it for repair.

Dave
 
ok great info guys,thank you! Its for a 2006 Scion Xb. the line has rubbed a hole in it behind the bumper where it goes to the condenser, it looks like there was a bracket to hold it in place which broke. And yes, i absolutely understand the "a certified soandso needs to do it" and the reason behind it!
 
Should be able to find that line and bracket at the local Pick and Pull. Then have it installed with new "O" ring seals and recharged.
 
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