2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission AC line connector help needed.

[moparguy]

I started the engine removal on the 98 12v today. But, after spending 2hrs on a trip to town to buy a O'reilly's plastic tool that I expected to make the line separation at the ac condenser possible (need to remove the condenser). It didn't.



I inserted the plastic 5/8th tool into the coupling, but then no amount of pushing then pulling or any combination would allow the line to separate. That was both with the tool in place or not.



As a matter of fact, I never got any movement out of the coupling.



I'm considering trying to destroy the retaining spring, then removing it to see if I can then separate the line.



At this point that's all I lack having the front of the truck off.



Thanks for any help.



RR

 

[Bob4x4]

When you insert the tool it helps sometimes to try a little rotation on the tool

Also push the fittings together to remove any load on it before trying to separate them. Worse comes to worse use a small pair of channel locks to squeeze the tool into the spring.



Bob

 

[moparguy]

Thanks for the tips Bob. I have used pliers to totally squeeze the tool into the coupling. At this time I haven't been able to get any movement out of the fittings in any direction. Before or after inserting the tool.



I'm wondering if I remove the retaining spring, can it be replaced when it's time to put things back together.



Thanks RR

 

[Bob4x4]

Also try rotating the line some ... . before attacking it too much.



Bob

 

[moparguy]

Update. Got it apart, however it's not pretty. After trying 3 tools, each a better tool, and with 3 different people attempting to seperate the lines. I broke out the hacksaw.



Didn't cut the line but I did cut the lower 3/8" of the upper closed flaired part of coupling, then with a small piece of wire, fished out the spring. After a lot or WD40, and much pushing/pulling the lines started to move, then seperated.



Seems time/dust/dirt/al. oxide all formed a great glue that wouldn't let things seperate.



RR