AC line tightness...stubborn fitting (1 Viewer)

[Skniper]

Just replaced my evaporator core and replaced all gaskets in all the AC line fittings from the cab to the condenser with new green gaskets.

With the exception of this fitting up front. It was really tight, finally broke it loose and made about a quarter turn then it ground to a halt. I soaked it with combo of penetrating oil and PAG oil and worked the quarter turn back n forth to work the oil in.
Oil didn’t help and it felt rough when it quit turning, I put some muscle into it with some big wrenches but felt like I was about to start breaking things.
Tightened it back up and hope it’s good for now.

Anyone else have issues with this joint?....

 

[Willard]

That one yes and the one below it. Something about the different metals fusing together.

As I replaced my condenser I did not care and cut it off, then placed it in a vice and removed it, saving the hose.
The lower hose I cannot say the same. I ended up having to replace that hose.

As you loosened it and are not sure about the o-rings. I would vacuum test it and check for leaks. IF it does not leak and or does not leak from that spot then your good to go.

You filling with R134 or R12?

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, Old cruisers always have stubborn bolts etc. Sounds like it mignt have gone togeather at an angle, may need re threading. Mike

 

[blbuck12]

I had some major trouble with both of those, and simply took lots of wiggling, a little torch and time to get them apart. The connections coming out of the firewall I was never even able to get apart and now one is leaking, even after the vacuum test came back good.

 

[Skniper]

That one yes and the one below it. Something about the different metals fusing together.

As I replaced my condenser I did not care and cut it off, then placed it in a vice and removed it, saving the hose.
The lower hose I cannot say the same. I ended up having to replace that hose.

As you loosened it and are not sure about the o-rings. I would vacuum test it and check for leaks. IF it does not leak and or does not leak from that spot then your good to go.

You filling with R134 or R12?

Willard-

I'm going back in with r134, it's the easiest to get, don't want to deal with having to find r12 even though it is the superior stuff. The whole system has been down for a while and is completely empty.

I think there are more efficient condensers that work better with the r134 but plan is to run this one and see how it does. If I were replacing the condensor I would have solved that stuck fitting with a sawzall. All other connections were a breeze.
I'm taking it to an old school AC fab guy that came Cruiserhead recommended. I'll let him flush it, draw it down, then gas it for me. Fingers crossed it all holds.