Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

dadesro on Thu July 14, 2011 1:18 PM

Year: 1990
Make: Dodge
Model: Dynasty
Engine Size: 3.3 L
Refrigerant Type: R-12
Country of Origin: United States

Because of a nasty compressor failure I am replacing all of the components in the system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion block, and receiver drier). Most of the metal components of the installed hoses are made out of steel and the car is located in Pennsylvania...ergo, the pipes are badly corroded and must be replaced. I worked with a recycler who found a set of hoses on a 1993 Dynasty that had aluminum components that can be bolted into my system...problem...I have to modify the metal portions of the hoses by cutting them and replacing portions with barrier hose because of interference with the fan shroud and other under hood components. My dilemma is this...since I have no idea what the state of the system was where the hoses were before, I want to flush them before installing them...thus I have to remove the mufflers. One of the mufflers has a 5/8 inch pipe going into it from the fitting which attaches to the compressor and a 1/2 inch pipe on the side which goes to the condenser. All of the metal is aluminum. How can I bridge the gap between the 5/8 inch pipe and the 1/2 inch pipe? I am unable to find an aluminum fitting which could be braised into the gap. An aluminum reducer would be the ideal solution. Can the reduction be done with hose somehow or am I just out of luck?

bromodragonfly on Thu July 14, 2011 8:55 PM

Are you coupling those lines together permanently?

Visit a refrigeration wholesaler and see if you can order an aluminum fitting. Probably won't be on the shelf. Either a reducing coupling or a bushing. Be specific when talking about pipe sizes, as to if it's the ID or OD.

Worse comes to worse you could try to swage the pipe to fit inside or outside a fitting.

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There is no knowledge that is not power

dadesro on Mon July 18, 2011 5:37 PM

Thank you...I will look into contacting my local refrigeration people...