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AC union pipe failure

Discussion in '308/328' started by duners, Jul 10, 2024.

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  1. duners

    duners Karting

    Aug 16, 2022
    134
    Los Angeles
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    Steven Carlson
    #1 duners, Jul 10, 2024
    The car has been running well but getting hot without the ac system charged. I decided to change the orings in the lines. Tried removing the coupler to the drier and damaged the little tube on the Union.
    It seems the part is NLA and on eBay for $500.
    I have gone to a few shops near me to see if they can cut the tube and braze new piece on - but no success in finding someone confident in repairing.
    Anyone ever repair this or should I bite the bullet and order?
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  2. Cameron Henlin

    Cameron Henlin Karting
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    Jul 3, 2020
    151
    Roseburg OR
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    Cameron Henlin
    #2 Cameron Henlin, Jul 10, 2024
    Firstly I wonder if there is some relatively equivalent part that could be found and installed from another car that might present a more economical solution

    Next I'm not sure what kind of shop you were going to for that, maybe general AC or plumbing or auto repair. But I would think a general machine shop would likely be more confident in such a repair. I would probably expect them to TIG a new piece on (I think that piece is aluminum?), put the nut on, then re-cut the threads. That might take a few hours and the labor would be high I imagine. Not sure if you'd save any money there

    Another alternative, for a non-factory option, might be to go to a hot rod shop that specializes in AC conversions or retrofits. I would expect they could take some aftermarket parts (as a rough example: https://vintageair.com/binary-switch-kit-for-beadlock-crimp/ and https://vintageair.com/beadlock-14-fitting-refrigerant-hose-kit-with-drier-for-134a/) and create a new, equivalent line set up. But it wouldn't look the same. Parts and labor on this might be a bit less expensive than a new part if you get lucky with the right shop?

    After typing this up, I figure I would probably just bite down and order a used one off eBay and eliminate the hassle. I'm curious what you end up with. Good luck!
     
  3. Sergio Tavares

    Sergio Tavares Formula 3

    Nov 15, 2018
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    Sergio Tavares
    #3 Sergio Tavares, Jul 10, 2024
    Which car model is this one please?
    Flared fittings are non acceptable for r134a because they leaks.

    Has you changed to o-ring sets?
    Can easily get you this for under $200USD for all components at that pressure group not just union, drier, pressure switched, High pressure port, and union but configuration is slightly arranged
     
  4. 2dinos

    2dinos F1 Rookie

    Jan 13, 2007
    3,030
    #4 2dinos, Jul 11, 2024
    Try Exotic Auto Recycling, Rutland, GT Car Parts, Eurospares. It won't be cheap, but it shouldn't scare you (hopefully). And I agree there might be a machining repair option.
     
  5. duners

    duners Karting

    Aug 16, 2022
    134
    Los Angeles
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    Steven Carlson
    #5 duners, Jul 11, 2024
    Thanks for the replies. I did find a local high performance hose place near me in San Fernando Valley - Orme Brothers. He plans to cut off the tube and put on new tube & coupler for $50 but wants my new drier first to make sure proper threads. I should get the drier today and will update with pics when repaired.
    I did get the Four Seasons 33444 that has male connection on both sides to get rid of the adapter to drier.
     
    Cameron Henlin and Sergio Tavares like this.
  6. Sergio Tavares

    Sergio Tavares Formula 3

    Nov 15, 2018
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    #6 Sergio Tavares, Jul 14, 2024
    Great job, but
    If this union has fail what else is next?
     
  7. duners

    duners Karting

    Aug 16, 2022
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    Steven Carlson
    #7 duners, Jul 14, 2024
    The pipe failure was absolutely operator error. I was cautioned about the adapter and damaging the tube when removing. After I spun the tube I just removed the drier and evap hose assembly. Then I was able to spin the drier off the adapter without doing more damage.
    Will update once I get the part back.
     
  8. duners

    duners Karting

    Aug 16, 2022
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    Steven Carlson
    #8 duners, Jul 20, 2024
    INRange, waymar, PAP 348 and 1 other person like this.
  9. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2005
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    Mount Isa, Australia
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    Pap
    #9 PAP 348, Jul 24, 2024
    That's what I would have done, looks like a good repair.

    Before it holds vac, see if they can put nitrogen in the system to check it for leaks and the rest of the aircon system while you're at it, as best you can.

    If that's all good, then should be good to pull down and hold vac.
     
  10. duners

    duners Karting

    Aug 16, 2022
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    Los Angeles
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    Steven Carlson
    #10 duners, Aug 1, 2024
    Update on the AC - went to local shop and didn’t want to leak it and leave keys. Was able to borrow vacuum pump but had to order manifold gauges.
    The system pumped down nicely and left valves closed for 30 min and it leaked down to zero. Indicating leak and now needing nitrogen bottle. After getting a regulator and renting nitrogen bottle was able to quickly locate leaks on the ac union. Tightening a bit more sealed up the leak to drier and adding teflon tape cured the cap leak.
    Pressurized system to 150 psi and it had no change 24 hrs later. Pulled vacuum for 10 min to reach -25 psi and after shutting off pump and closing valves it dropped to -10 psi in about 20 min. It then held -10 psi for 24 hrs. Pulled vacuum today for 6 hrs and now sitting at -10 psi and seems good to start recharging.
    So far seems the $50 repair vs $500 used is workimg out.
     
    INRange likes this.
  11. duners

    duners Karting

    Aug 16, 2022
    134
    Los Angeles
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    Steven Carlson
    #11 duners, Aug 6, 2024
    I was able to get some r12 from local auto shop and filled with 1 kg. So nice to see it finally blowing cold and got down to low 40F out the vent.
    I was worried about cooling capability from all the other posts. However, with 105F ambient temp it was blowing with enough flow to run at medium and stay comfy.
     

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