A/C line repair

[wulff]

I have a hole in my a/c hose line, low side. To buy the new part is $150 so instead... I will cut off this hose from the crimps on either end and replace it with a new hose but just use hose clamps rather than crimps. Any reason why this won't work??

[imnuts]

I'd be concerned with the hose leaking out blowing off of the fittings of they weren't crimped. Even though it's the low pressure side, it would still experience high pressures when the system pressures equalize between the high and low pressure sides.

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[old guy]

Lots of reasons. Static hose pressure on a hot day can go as high as 150 psi. Way beyond what I would trust with standard hose and hose clamps.

[Kevin C]

Never tried it. FYI, modern AC hoses are barrier hose to reduce how many of the smaller R134 molecules escape. The barrier is typically a nylon liner, that does not compress and seal as well as older AC hoses that were sealed with screw clamps ( way back when). It might seal well enough, but it would not take much to get a leak ( a small burr or two on the nipple). Hose clamps don't seal as well as fully crimped ferrules. Also the screw clamps for AC lines have a metal tang to help keep the hose in place.



All joints leak to some extent, it's just a matter of how much. With a barrier hose, I would have a hard time recommending a non crimped repair.

Some shops will put new crimps on for you. When I put AC in my truck, I had the lines rebuilt with barrier hose just in case I switched from R12 to R134. The local NAPA shop had the right tools.

One other tip for those that haven't lost all refrigerant to a blown line: On average an R134 AC system loses about 10 grams of refrigerant per year through the compressor seal and various joints. If you have a system that s never been charged, expect it to have lost about 130 (4.6 oz) grams of charge ( typical B6 age). If the system holds 505 grams, that says for a system without a blow hose, you have lost about 25% of your charge (about 1/3 of a can).

[Shortrun]

If you can cut the old rubber section off and not damage the aluminum pipe flares.
And if you can find new correct ruber hose.
Then it can work. Use 2 hose clamps on both ends.
It might be difficult to find someone to fill the system. Unless you can vaccum then fill yourself.
It looks a bit tight in there. Good luck.

[tHatOne guY]

An A/C repair shop can cut off the OEM fittings just before the crimps and weld them onto new, A/C suitable hose for you, should be inexpensive. I had this done took maybe and hour and was only 40$