Air Con Pipes

[clivvy]

hey chaps!

got a problem with my Mazda MX3 air con condenser.

I bought a new one, but I couldnt loosen one of the two nuts connecting the pipes to the condenser.

Only way I can see to get round this, is to replace the pipe work. Now this in itself looks easy, but is there a suitable diy way to change the pipes??

the pipe I wish to replace goes from the compressor to a rubber type pipe which then fixes to the aluminium pipes to the condenser....

 

[solarman216]

You will be better of getting a refrigeration engineer to do it for you as on reassembly you need to lube the fittings with the same oil that is in the compressor, (you must not use anything else at all) and when done you will need to vacuum the system down before charging with gas and possibly oil, if you do not vacuum there will be moisture trapped in the system which will freeze and block pipes or valves with bad consequences, Rick

 

[Deleted account DD]

Try Pirtek. Not the cheapest but definitely use top quality materials.

Ive never had any problems replacing/manf/refitting pipes so long as the system was properly refilled with new gas/oil afterwards

 

[clivvy]

You will be better of getting a refrigeration engineer to do it for you as on reassembly you need to lube the fittings with the same oil that is in the compressor, (you must not use anything else at all) and when done you will need to vacuum the system down before charging with gas and possibly oil, if you do not vacuum there will be moisture trapped in the system which will freeze and block pipes or valves with bad consequences, Rick

cheers Rick.

its tricky, because I also have to re fit the radiator before I can actually start the car (so the engineer can then vacuum and refil/test)

If I can find the spare parts and lube, I should be ok to at least peice it all back together, then get an engineer to check (and lube if i cant do it) and refil! I just need to get the system put back together...

 

[solarman216]

if you are having trouble undoing the nuts, get two hammers one normal size the other very small use the larger as an anvil and the smaller to tap gently, opposite the anvil and work your way round the fitting like this a couple of times, very often vibrates the corrosion out and loosens them a treat, Rick

 

[clivvy]

if you are having trouble undoing the nuts, get two hammers one normal size the other very small use the larger as an anvil and the smaller to tap gently, opposite the anvil and work your way round the fitting like this a couple of times, very often vibrates the corrosion out and loosens them a treat, Rick

ok i will give that a try also. I suspect though (after doing some research and trouble with the other pipe) that I will still struggle as the pipe end is a sort of rubber ringed conenctor, almost like a Hozelock connector on a garden hose!