Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) A/c Line Removal

[jhawkins]

I need alittle help. Iam trying to replace the heater core again and I cannot get the A/C fittings to separate. I have tried the clamshell and plastic types but cannot get the fitting to release. Anybody got any trcks to get them apart?

Jim

 

[WDixon27]

the spring type can be a pain sometimes, i shoot a little penetrating lube in there and pushing the joint together while you twist the tool in helps sometimes

 

[jhawkins]

Thanks I will give that a try. I think this is the hardest part of the job! It seems like somebody would make a pair of pliers that would pull the joint together while the tool is being pressed in. I just wonder how A/C repair folks do this.

Jim

 

[ttbird]

don't want to ask a stupid question but have you evacuated the a/c system? If not, too much pressure to get apart, may hurt you also. If you have then WDixon27 has the right idea.

 

[jhawkins]

thanks, I started by taking the pressure off the system. I think the problem is the seals kind of stick after a while like a heater hose and it seems like you have to twist the fittings to break them loose before they will come apart. I finally losened up the accumulator so I could twist the fitting and it came apart. It took longer to get ac hoses off than to do the job. I still believe that ac guys know some tricks or have special tools to do this. If not you ain't ging to make any money.

Jim

 

[DieselTweaker]

here is the tool that I use for removing the lines, very cheap and works well, but I also use PB blaster on the joints to help. When I start that job first thing I do is soak the fittings, E-vac the system and remove the bolts in the dash, and Then I take the fittings loose, and your right,,,,, the A/C lines are the hardest part. The whole job can be done in a couple hours.



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Zach