AC hose about to burst?
12-14-2003, 06:51 PM
#1
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AC hose about to burst?
I just took my fan assembly and my radiator out so I can hopefully get the radiator fixed tomorrow (slight leak at pass. side).
Since I am now able to get a good look at things that are normally cramped up behind the fan assembly I noticed an ugly "bubble" on one of my AC lines coming from the compressor heading upwards.
I would assume that the line is about to pop, no?
What is involved in changing it? By a new line, bring it to be repaired?
Should I have that done by a professional AC tech?
I never had any AC problems and am terrified to do something wrong that would disable my AC system.
Thanks,
Sab.
Since I am now able to get a good look at things that are normally cramped up behind the fan assembly I noticed an ugly "bubble" on one of my AC lines coming from the compressor heading upwards.
I would assume that the line is about to pop, no?
What is involved in changing it? By a new line, bring it to be repaired?
Should I have that done by a professional AC tech?
I never had any AC problems and am terrified to do something wrong that would disable my AC system.
Thanks,
Sab.
12-14-2003, 07:18 PM
#2
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The A/C system normally has 75 - 100 psi when the system isn't operating, and up to 300 psi on the high side when operating at high temps.
This pressure is held by the inner liner, supported by the fabric reinforcement inside the hose.
The bubble is caused by a very small leak in the inner liner. This leak has allowed a small amount of refrigerant to bleed into the space between the inner liner and the outer protective rubber coating, bubbling the outer covering. Yes, eventually the outer covering will pop, allowing the refrierant n the bubble - and the continuing leakage - to escape.
It is possible, but not certain, that the hose will eventually rupture, causing sudden loss of all of the refrigerant and most of the oil in the system. It may also scare the dickens out of you - it can sound like an explosion and cause a cloud of white "smoke".
To do the hose replacement properly, the system refrigerant must be captured and recycled. After the hose is repaired (by replacing the rubber hose and reusing the metal parts) or replaced, the system must be evacuated to a hard vacuum and properly recharged.
Doing the entire job yourself requires special equipment and knowledge - not difficult to do, though.
You can (illegally) bleed off the refrigerant and remove the hose, get it repaired, and replace it. You can then replace the receiver/dryer and negotiate with an A/C shop to evacuate and recharge the system with R-134a.
This pressure is held by the inner liner, supported by the fabric reinforcement inside the hose.
The bubble is caused by a very small leak in the inner liner. This leak has allowed a small amount of refrigerant to bleed into the space between the inner liner and the outer protective rubber coating, bubbling the outer covering. Yes, eventually the outer covering will pop, allowing the refrierant n the bubble - and the continuing leakage - to escape.
It is possible, but not certain, that the hose will eventually rupture, causing sudden loss of all of the refrigerant and most of the oil in the system. It may also scare the dickens out of you - it can sound like an explosion and cause a cloud of white "smoke".
To do the hose replacement properly, the system refrigerant must be captured and recycled. After the hose is repaired (by replacing the rubber hose and reusing the metal parts) or replaced, the system must be evacuated to a hard vacuum and properly recharged.
Doing the entire job yourself requires special equipment and knowledge - not difficult to do, though.
You can (illegally) bleed off the refrigerant and remove the hose, get it repaired, and replace it. You can then replace the receiver/dryer and negotiate with an A/C shop to evacuate and recharge the system with R-134a.
12-14-2003, 09:09 PM
#4
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There are many shops that re-use the hose ends and replace the hose material. This is the most cost effective method of replacing the line. If one hose is going, it would be wise to replace the other hose at the same time.
Specify R134s A/C hose, even if you stay with R12. That way, if you change to 134a in the future you have the hose for it.
Specify R134s A/C hose, even if you stay with R12. That way, if you change to 134a in the future you have the hose for it.
