HELP! : ( A/C Exploded!

[Snakeyes_Tx]

I *JUST* GOT my hearing back in my left ear. This happened 24 hours ago. I've been so ticked off that I haven't had a chance to settle down and write. I've been running back and forth to the doctor to make sure I don't have permanent hearing loss either.

Here's what happened.

I was flushing my radiator/engine (because the water was rust brown), and about 20 minutes into it, as I'm looking down at the steaming hot water dripping, I start to stand up and BANG! About 12 inches from my ear, on the passenger side of the engine area. After getting up from jumping back about 10 feet and knotting the back of my head on the driveway, I kill the motor to check for possible damage.

I ran the A/C and the Heater so I can heat up the motor real fast and flush the core too.

Upon finding nothing wrong at first, I start it back up and the A/C is blowing warm, stale air. Then I look at the A/C lines and the high pressure line about 5 inches back from the valve into the compressor split about 3 inches wide. My entire system discharged instantly.

I went to Napa, Auto Zone, and O'Reilly, and none of them even LIST the high pressure hose.

Where can I get one???

[Gladi8r]

Most automotive shops that work on AC can fabricate hoses from their stock by placing your existing metal tubing on them. I would check there first. Sorry to hear about your problems. Hope everything works out for ya, and take care of that ear!!!!!

[Yaz]

i had to get mine fabed, charged me up the Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley for it thats why i have old small lines and an old line from my compressor to the evaporator

[Millerluck]

I hope its not permanent.

I had a line blow on a Plymouth Duster I had.
I seen the hood jump when ti blew.

Also another time I was changing an oil pan gaskit on one of my wifes cars abought 10 years ago. I had to move the compresser and lines out of the way. I laid them up on the frame. Well I just happend to roll out from under it to wipe my hand. Them BOOM! HISSSS!
The free-on made a crater and burnt the grass back a foot right where my head was! :eek:

I hope your ear is ok.

Larry Miller

[Ralph]

I recently obtained the low side hose from Crazy Jeepman, and it was in great shape. Stands to reason he might have a high side hose laying around.

Ahem, I already pressed Narnian to buy the service valves and condensor from Crazy Jeepman. Maybe I'm due a commission...

[64Trvlr]

I'd look in the phone book under auto parts/repair, there should be several a/c outfits and places that make hoses. Don't forget to replace the filter/dryer when you put the new hose on. :cool:

[Crazy_Jeepman]

That sucks I had that happen on a Peterbuilt when I was an over the road driver. Puzzles me as to how in the heck it blew while I had the hood open and I was poking about, and not anytime during the previous 400 miles. It truly scared the Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley out of me. I would have the high pressure hose email me if you need one. Thanks Ralph, soon I will have to put you on payroll or something. ;)

[Snakeyes_Tx]

Sweet! I could use one! BTW, is the dryer that little coil looking thing? Why would I need to change this if I vacuum the system out again? I have access to the vacuum machine now so A/C flushes and fills are cheap and easy smile.gif

[Benchill]

The drier has very highly absorbant dessicant in it. Any time you open the system to the atmosphere, you should change the drier. You cannot effectively remove all the moisture the dessicant has absorbed through even a strong vacuum. The moisture remaining can then be distributed through the systems. When moisture gets to the compressor where the water is not condensible, very high pressures result...ie: blown high pressure lines.
The dessicant bag can also break over time and distribute the fine particles all throughout your lines.
That being said, it would be wise to change out the drier prior to the next vacuum and recharge.

[Ralph]

The filter/drier is connected to the other end of that high pressure hose you blew, and then a tube connects the filter/drier to the condensor (careful with that tube, they don't make it any more and it breaks easily). You can get a new one at PepBoys or wherever for about $60 -- don't buy a used one!

You can see the filter drier in this picture behind the smaller headlamp opening of the grill support (lower left corner):

http://fs4.dotphoto.com/MemberImages/180113/iDA1F54CF-5068-4226-A3D8-B7906AB64EBB.jpg