AC hoses

[Pat K]

My AC connection between the hose coming from the compressor connecting to the hose going into the dash is leaking. It is the connection that you use to charge the system, I think (never done it). My auto parts store is not sure what size and keeps talking about some mystery "O" rings they don't know about either. Any help for my '85?

PK

RQB 4143

[Pat K]

More information. The connection that is leaking is between the compressor and the dryer. Low side charge fitting, shrader port, weatherhead connection are some other words that I hear but have no idea what they are talking about. My mech says if we can't find what we are looking for, he can probably build (rebuild?) the fitting. I would rather buy a new, correct part.

Come on guys. I assume all 84-85 have the same A/C arrangements, I can't be the first to lose this fitting?

Any ideas?

Anybody?

PK

RQB 4143

[mfg]

Okay, I understand what you're saying here...and it's true you'll never keep freon in that system with a leak like that! If You undo the suspect fitting (after the freon is drained) you'll find a rubber o-ring that completes the seal between the two halves. Just take the o'ring to any auto parts store and they'll fix you right up. The only thing is, if you are using R-134 in your a/c system, you need to ask for R-134 compatible o-rings. You can always tell them as they are green in color as opposed to the usual black color. If the leak is at the schrader valve itself, you can sometimes just tighten it down a little with a tire valve removal tool, or just remove the old valve and replace it with a new one. If the leak is at the crimp union which connects the rubber a/c hose to the metal end fitting, then you'll need to replace the hose. This will have to be custom made if Nostalgic Avanti doesn't have one....but custom made hoses can be made up at most any of the larger auto supply stores. Just bring the old one in.

[Pat K]

That's what I'm talkin' about!

The search is on, now that I can decribe what I am looking for .

Thanks a million.

PK

RQB 4143

[Pat K]

one final attempt at finding a replacement part on someone's shelf. (I never realized there were this many variations to a system that every car has).

My mech describes it thusly:

That is not exactly correct...the line at the compression fittings is leaking at the service port. ..The o-rings would be EZ. Think of a radiator hose leak at the clamp tighten clamp problem solved. In your case the leak is at the clamp. Only on this hose is high pressure and the clamp is crimped on so it cannot be tightened.

Making the line is probably the best answer if we cannot find the actual replacement part. The problem is repair parts may be hard to get or made from that rare substance un-obtain-ium...get the idea

Mike

Any other ideas before we start the rebuild?

PK

[mfg]

Yes, if the leak is at the crimp, a new hose is a must I believe. But don't be too concerned about that.....custom high and low pressure a/c hoses are made up all the time for new van and motor home conversions. Barb fittings are readily available that push into suitable a/c hose, (they fit real tight and can't be pulled back out) and final sealed with a screw clamp. I'd bring your Avanti to a good a/c shop in your area and talk it over.

[brad]

If you can find a Parker store they will have or get what you need, and make up the hoses.

www.parker.com

[Pat K]

Thanks for all the constructive advice. I think I learned enough to solve the problem. However, the good news, I called Nostalgic and low and behold, he had both hoses in stock. I bought them both knowing if we only fixed the one that is leaking now, with my luck, the other would spring a leak in the near future. After all, the hoses are 30 years old. I probably paid a little more for them than if we would have made up our own set, but whenever I can get OE, at some sort of affordable price, that is the direction I will go.

Thanks again.

PK

RQB 4143

[mfg]

Way to go Pat K!....Mission accomplished!