How to flare aluminum AC lines?
#1640731
07/01/14 05:35 PM
07/01/14 05:35 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 730
Nampa, ID
MadMatt
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OP
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Nampa, ID
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Anyone know how to put the correct flare on an aluminum AC refrigerant line? Does it require a special tool?
Some see the glass as half empty, some see the glass as half full. I just drink straight out of the bottle.
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Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines?
[Re: MadMatt]
#1640732
07/01/14 08:05 PM
07/01/14 08:05 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14,889
up yours
Supercuda
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They really aren't flared.
They say there are no such thing as a stupid question.
They say there is always the exception that proves the rule.
Don't be the exception.
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Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines?
[Re: MadMatt]
#1640734
07/01/14 08:28 PM
07/01/14 08:28 PM
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Posts: 14,889
up yours
Supercuda
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http://www.tubebeadingtool.com/That's where the O ring seats, I was thinking where the hose makes too the tube and is crimped.
They say there are no such thing as a stupid question.
They say there is always the exception that proves the rule.
Don't be the exception.
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Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines?
[Re: MadMatt]
#1640737
07/01/14 11:10 PM
07/01/14 11:10 PM
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Nampa, ID
MadMatt
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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?
Some see the glass as half empty, some see the glass as half full. I just drink straight out of the bottle.
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Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines?
[Re: MadMatt]
#1640738
07/02/14 12:50 AM
07/02/14 12:50 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14,889
up yours
Supercuda
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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.
They say there are no such thing as a stupid question.
They say there is always the exception that proves the rule.
Don't be the exception.
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Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines?
[Re: MadMatt]
#1640739
07/02/14 01:19 AM
07/02/14 01:19 AM
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Vancouver, WA
MoparMarq
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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.
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Re: How to flare aluminum AC lines?
[Re: jt4406]
#1640741
07/02/14 08:11 PM
07/02/14 08:11 PM
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Nampa, ID
MadMatt
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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.
Some see the glass as half empty, some see the glass as half full. I just drink straight out of the bottle.
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