Suggestions on auto A/C repair needed

[zman]

I need some help with A/C hose repair or fabrication. Here`s the skinny. My car has add on A/C by who knows who installed way back in 1979. I was filling it with freon because I thought it was low and as I fill it it is getting cold but I hear this hiss so I kill the engine and find a hose had been rubbing on a pulley. I clean and tape it just to keep debris out.
This was all 10 years ago and now I am wanting to get it working again but will either have to get a custom made hose or maybe the hose can be cut and coupled where the hole is. Anyone know if A/C guys can do that if I take the hose to them ?
That would be the easy way because I have a feeling these hoses custom made are not cheap, maybe 100 dollars and I`m not wealthy especially with a GL to support.
Also thinking maybe a production car uses the same hoses and maybe there is a database on lengths and hose end sizes where I can just find a production car with the same fittings and right lengths?
Boy!..This is something I just do not know much about, can anyone shed some insight on this, what to do next?

 

[dan filipi]

Well all I can add is the last time I had a high side A/C hose leak on our car, it was about $150 repair which included vacuum pump the air out and charge. That was a good 10 years ago now.
If the system uses R-12 I think this is going to be very expensive to get working.

 

[zman]

dan filipi » Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:19 pm[/url]":dlc6lxgz]
Well all I can add is the last time I had a high side A/C hose leak on our car, it was about $150 repair which included vacuum pump the air out and charge. That was a good 10 years ago now.
If the system uses R-12 I think this is going to be very expensive to get working.

I was actually charging it with that new stuff, what was it R22? or whatever the conversion kit I bought was for.It is a rotary pump so I`m sure it will handle the new stuff OK..Just need to fix that hose and replace the dryer, evac and charge. Thanks.

 

[dan filipi]

Something I discovered by accident was my neighbor used to be a driver delivery guy for auto repair shops.
I was working on the car and he comes over and says he knows where to get the part I needed cheap!
So we get to talking and he says he drives all over L.A and knows all the shops.
No he wasn't suggesting that he'd steal it Lol.
If you can catch one of these guys, they might know the best place to get a hose either made or a shop to repair it in your area.

 

[Steve83]

You should be able to get hose, clamps, and fittings and make your own, or splice the one that's there. A system installed before the early 90's would be an R-12 system. Have you had it retrofitted for R-134a? The kits aren't expensive, but you should have the system evacuated with a vacuum pump after you fix/replace the hose. It might also be wise to replace the receiver/dryer if the system has been exposed for all these years. AC systems do not like moisture in the lines, and don't work well with air in 'em, either.

 

[Joep]

Check with Napa.. they may be able to make a hose with your current fittings Orr may be able tho match it.. especially if they have been in business awhile... and maybe not as expensive.. if you duct tapped the house before.. and it held it may be a low pressure side hose

 

[Ansimp]

Any auto ac guy should be able to remake a hose for you. Some of the old fittings are getting harder to find ( flare instead of mior ) but I know I can still get most of them. If you take the hose you should be able to get an accurate quote before you start. If converting to 134a I prefer to flush the system before adding new oil(ester) and 134a gas. As Steve said receiver dryer will need to be changed ( manufactures recommend every 2 years).

 

[dan filipi]

Ansimp » Wed Apr 30, 2014 11:37 pm[/url]":120dj8m9]
Any auto ac guy should be able to remake a hose for you. Some of the old fittings are getting harder to find ( flare instead of mior ) but I know I can still get most of them. If you take the hose you should be able to get an accurate quote before you start. If converting to 134a I prefer to flush the system before adding new oil(ester) and 134a gas. As Steve said receiver dryer will need to be changed ( manufactures recommend every 2 years).

Wha? Every 2 years!??

I'm sure lots of people follow the maint routine

 

[zman]

Thanks for the info guys, I suppose next is pulling down the A/C condenser so I can reach the other end of the hose. I planned on doing the evac,condenser,oil change. I do believe they need service every few years, there is a filter that can get clogged.
I know every new car I bought had a cold A/C when I drove it off but got a little weaker over the years, most people adjust to it but if you ever drove a brand new car off the lot there is a difference in how long it takes to drop the temp.

 

[slabghost]

You may be able to order the hose from Summit. Probably cheaper to have a new hose put on your fittings though.

 

[zman]

slabghost » Thu May 01, 2014 5:08 pm[/url]":wefnsrto]
You may be able to order the hose from Summit. Probably cheaper to have a new hose put on your fittings though.

Thanks Slab...I`ll see about fitting a new hose to my fitting first..Did not know I could do that, Thanks.