C3 A/C

[Jeffrey S.]

Hello all. I have a small leak in the fitting that goes from the drier to the metal/rubber hose leading to the expansion valve. I have tried many times to seal this with new o-rings, double o-rings, etc. Overtightening makes things worse. The drier was replace with a new one (Delco) but the hose (tube assembly #3949929) is original. I suspect that the metal fitting may be slightly corroded preventing a seal. Does any body sell a good replacement for this hose? Does anyone know of a company (preferrably in the Detroit area) that can make a crimp on style hose for this? I would love a NOS piece but don't want to put a second mortgage on my house for one. Any help is always appreciated.
Jeff

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 A/C

I'd first double check the assumption your leak(s) lies in the hose assy and/or at the fittings by using a 'sniffer' to pin point the leak(s). You could fill the system with an R-12 substitute for this 'test' and avoid the high cost of Freon....

At hose junctions, use commercial grade, refigeration rated, o-rings and obey coupling torque specs. The quickest way to generate a leak is to OVER tighten a coupling!

Replacement hoses will differ in construction and fitting(s) from factory originals. So, from a judging point basis, it's worth the time to verify where you're leaking refrigerant from.

The MOST common leak points are at the Schrader valves and their protective caps. Remember, in the Corvette system there are valves on the manifold assy at the compressor as well as over on the Harrison air box on the fire wall, so there's more than one place to check....

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: C3 A/C

Jack:
Thanks for you response. I know for a fact that the leak is at this connection. A dye was put into the refrigerant and a black light used at every connection and this one was the only place where the leak showed. I tightened all connection as per specs and this one leaked right away and by tigtening the connection further made the leak worse until it hissed out like a broken radiator. I found a shop this afternoon that will make a crimp-on hose for me using my original as a sample. The local Chevy dealer uses this shop to make hoses for them so I have to believe that they are reliable.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 A/C

Jeff,

Some companies will take your original hose and replace the fitting with a newer one. That may also be an option.

Patrick

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 A/C

Patrick, the issue is a moot one. I have not seen anyone that uses aluminum crimping sleeves on the hoses. Why not just use new hose that looks like the original material? Will be same deduction and you do not have to worry about the integrity of the hose

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 A/C

Yes, since it's not the main hose it's easily replaced with another one. The problem child is the hose that attaches to the compressor and has the large rectangular configuration. Replacements are way off on that one, and I'd work hard to use an original piece.

Patrick

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: C3 A/C

The company that I visited yesterday said the DO use aluminum crimp-on pipes and can make a whole new hose assembly for me. I haven't seen what they do but I will let you all know how close to original the new piece is if I have them do it. It won't be for a while since it is too cold in tne garage right now to get underneath to remove the old one.
Jeff

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 A/C

Bring it to Hinckley's garage to work on.

Patrick

[Lee S.]

Re: C3 A/C

His advice has always been pretty reasonable but, I don't think I could afford his labor rate! LOL John.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 A/C

Yeah, but if you can get John talking long enough to get your own car on his lift...

I doubt that Jeff wants to drive over to my place just to put his car on a lift and remove the hose. I guess he waits until April when his garage floor warms up.

Or we set up a Chapter "tech session."

Patrick