Posted By: MadMatt
How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/01/14 09:35 PM
Anyone know how to put the correct flare on an aluminum AC refrigerant line? Does it require a special tool?
How to flare aluminum AC lines?
Posted By: Supercuda
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/02/14 12:05 AM
They really aren't flared.
Posted By: MadMatt
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/02/14 12:13 AM
Quote:
They really aren't flared.
Then what would the correct term be for the type of end they have?
Posted By: Supercuda
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/02/14 12:28 AM
http://www.tubebeadingtool.com/
That's where the O ring seats, I was thinking where the hose makes too the tube and is crimped.
That's where the O ring seats, I was thinking where the hose makes too the tube and is crimped.
Posted By: cruzin
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/02/14 12:41 AM
Which line(s) are you thinking of? A buddy of mine fabricated a couple lines coming off of the dryer. He used two lines spliced / soldered them together making one with the correct flare ends. Perhaps you can do something similar depending on the line.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/02/14 12:55 AM
I tak my lines to the local radiatior shop. They machine flare all my tubing. I hate leaks.....
Posted By: MadMatt
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/02/14 03:10 AM
Actually, let me ask another question. I was thinking of doing all my lines in hard line, but a friend of mine says I should go with hose because it has better insulating qualities. Any thoughts from anyone?
Posted By: Supercuda
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/02/14 04:50 AM
The hose is there to allow for movement of the engine, not for insulating. If you try to replace the hose with hard line you are liable to crack the hard line somewhere.
Posted By: MoparMarq
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/02/14 05:19 AM
Quote:
Actually, let me ask another question. I was thinking of doing all my lines in hard line, but a friend of mine says I should go with hose because it has better insulating qualities. Any thoughts from anyone?
I'd stick with the hardline throughout and hose to/from engine, just like factory did. Less likely to develop leaks and easier to find them if they do develop. If OP is concerned about heat infiltration on condensor outlet (where is passes through engine compartment) to evaporator, or on return line to compressor, you can always insulate the hardlines with slightly larger diameter hose of some sort. But most factories didn't, I'm guessing. Three cars here from different manufacturers (Dodge, Acura, Toyota) don't have those hardlines insulated.
Posted By: jt4406
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/02/14 12:54 PM
Matt, I had the exact same problem when doing final assembly on my challenger. I preferred the look of the hard line over the rubber hose where possible. As far as functionality, the rubber hose works just as well. To answer your question, yes you can put that type flare on aluminum a/c line using the proper tool. I suggest you rent or borrow one from your local HVAC repair shop, one similar to this: http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/AC71475/UNIVERSAL-HYDRAULIC-FLARING-TOOL-KIT/
A simpler way is to try to arrange your line placement to match preassembled hard lines available here: http://www.vintageair.com/2012catalog/20...age%2072%29.pdf
This is what I did on my Challenger, but I did have to cut and flare one end of one metal line:
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...&PHPSESSID=
Good luck with your install
jess in ky
A simpler way is to try to arrange your line placement to match preassembled hard lines available here: http://www.vintageair.com/2012catalog/20...age%2072%29.pdf
This is what I did on my Challenger, but I did have to cut and flare one end of one metal line:
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...&PHPSESSID=
Good luck with your install
jess in ky
Posted By: MadMatt
Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines? - 07/03/14 12:11 AM
Quote:
Matt, I had the exact same problem when doing final assembly on my challenger. I preferred the look of the hard line over the rubber hose where possible. As far as functionality, the rubber hose works just as well. To answer your question, yes you can put that type flare on aluminum a/c line using the proper tool. I suggest you rent or borrow one from your local HVAC repair shop, one similar to this: http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/AC71475/UNIVERSAL-HYDRAULIC-FLARING-TOOL-KIT/
A simpler way is to try to arrange your line placement to match preassembled hard lines available here: http://www.vintageair.com/2012catalog/20...age%2072%29.pdf
This is what I did on my Challenger, but I did have to cut and flare one end of one metal line:
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...&PHPSESSID=
Good luck with your install
jess in ky
Wow, thanks for all the info!
I'm going to do as you suggested and run hose to the on-engine connections and use hardline for the rest. I have the original lines I took of the car, so I can use those as a guide.