Air Conditioning Lines?

[cloead]

(this pertains to a 2004 sprinter 2500)

I discoverd a while back that I had a hole in my condensor. Finally bought a new one and went to put it in this weekend.

While removing the UPPER a/c line on the condensor it took the threads with it. I cleaned as much of the crap out of the fitting on the line as I could but it started to strip the new condensor when I put it on so I stopped when it got tight (before it compressed the o-ring completely). As expected when I tried to put a little freon in the system I heard a loud hissing sound..

Anyways in the parts diagram it looks like the upper fitting goes to the compressor. However in my van it seemed like the lower fitting went to the compressor and the upper fitting went under the motor and then to IDK-land.

I see the line that goes to the compressor on eBay for ~60 shipped but can't find the long line.

After looking at the service manual it appears to contradict the parts diagram I found online:

So I guess my real question is, anybody know a source for the 'liquid refrigerant line' and how hard it is to get out of the dryer?

 

[cloead]

eeek may have found it, is this the line?

http://europarts-sd.com/item.asp?cID=105&PID=2094

 

[lindenengineering]

I suppose its a bit late to mention this.
In the A/C business corrosion and overtightening of fittings made of alum or copper all play their part in galling themselves up during removal. Unfortunately when being refitted tear up of the threads and seats can be commonplace.

On stubborn slip nuts, drill a series of fine holes along the nut body using a 1/16 drill bit. This will cause the nut to split allowing easy removal.

Before re-installing any used pipe set, it is normal to chase out the nut threads using a pipe nut tap specially designed for the job. This ensures not only a clean thread pitch but cleans the nut inner diameter due to distortion forces when being removed during original dis- assembly.

Always oil the threads with refrigerant oil prior to offer up. Don't ovetighten the nut. Its not holding the Titanic together.

Oh and a PS!
On the T1N check the liquid line from receiver drier to condenser!
Braced by a wrap around clip attached to the bumper tray. this little rascal has a habit of abrading through over time which of course will cause loss of refrigerant. When overhauling/repairing a T1N A/C system I always replace this line if any abrasion is present including the clip.

Some shop tips!
However!
It now begs the question did you vent the refrigerant to atmopsphere to do this job???
You have already done so to an extent to locate a leak which should have been done with nitrogen!
How are you going to re-charge it to FULL capacity?

Please don't tell me you are going to use those big gulp cans at auto parts stores!
That is really asking for trouble.

Dennis

 

[cloead]

Drilling holes and splitting that nut would destroy the line correct? Do you have a good source on who to buy that line from?

Even better, do you know what tap i need to chase the threads in said nut? If i could do that it would solve my issues.

And there was nothing left in the system to vent. Mercedes decided to let the atmosphere have it long before i purchased this van.

 

[PATECO]

Mine has also lost all of its gas though a condenser leak. I paid Freightliner to check the system for me, and for $125 they confirmed the condenser leak, and said the compressor was fine. They then quoted me a ridiculous number (way out of my budget) to complete the repair. I have purchased a new condenser and drier, and would like to know if there is a trick to remove the hose fittings without damaging them. I have not tried to remove them yet, but do not want to have to replace the hoses if possible. this is already stretching my budget, but I need AC here in Florida this summer.

Once completed, I will take it to an automotive AC Shop to have it vacuumed and refilled by someone with the correct equipment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cloead]

Mine has also lost all of its gas though a condenser leak. I paid Freightliner to check the system for me, and for $125 they confirmed the condenser leak, and said the compressor was fine. They then quoted me a ridiculous number (way out of my budget) to complete the repair. I have purchased a new condenser and drier, and would like to know if there is a trick to remove the hose fittings without damaging them. I have not tried to remove them yet, but do not want to have to replace the hoses if possible. this is already stretching my budget, but I need AC here in Florida this summer.

Once completed, I will take it to an automotive AC Shop to have it vacuumed and refilled by someone with the correct equipment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The bottom fitting on mine came apart without issue. The top was super tight. I applied a little heat (which nuked the o-ring) but the fitting then came apart, trashing the threads on the old condensor in the process. If I can find out what the threads are in the female side of the line still in the van I believe I'd be able to get this hose threaded back on the new condensor. I only ate ~2 of the new threads on that before it stopped threading on.

 

[PATECO]

The bottom fitting on mine came apart without issue. The top was super tight. I applied a little heat (which nuked the o-ring) but the fitting then came apart, trashing the threads on the old condensor in the process. If I can find out what the threads are in the female side of the line still in the van I believe I'd be able to get this hose threaded back on the new condensor. I only ate ~2 of the new threads on that before it stopped threading on.

If I can get these off, what would you put on the threads to make it easier in the future. I plan on keeping this vehicle for some time, and I know these things corrode badly in the ocean air here.

 

[cloead]

If I can get these off, what would you put on the threads to make it easier in the future. I plan on keeping this vehicle for some time, and I know these things corrode badly in the ocean air here.

refrigerant oil apparently

 

[jessemilton]

Hi Dennis,
Do you happen to know the thread count for the liquid (upper and larger) line from the condenser, I'm living your exact synopsis for that fitting. I had to use a long pipe wrench and a extension on my wrench to remove it. My daughter was helping me and even with a A &P Cert and years of experience it was one of the toughest nuts to crack. I was starting to think it had left hand threads, it was embarrassing to say the least. But now I need to try and ream it or spend $290 for a new hose.

 

[312d]

Hi Dennis,
Do you happen to know the thread count for the liquid (upper and larger) line from the condenser, I'm living your exact synopsis for that fitting. I had to use a long pipe wrench and a extension on my wrench to remove it. My daughter was helping me and even with a A &P Cert and years of experience it was one of the toughest nuts to crack. I was starting to think it had left hand threads, it was embarrassing to say the least. But now I need to try and ream it or spend $290 for a new hose.

no, no left hand threads, they are only used in rotating parts not pipe fittings