[ChrisZ]

So my AC lines from the compressor are garbage and leaking and need replacement. The high pressure line was sort of easy to get apart, but the low pressure line from the AC compressor to the hard line is a problem.

It's easy enough to get the compressor dropped and the 1 1/8 nut off the compressor, but the hard line is a different story: I can get a 1 1/4 wrench on the nut with no problem from the top, but there seems to be no way to support the line behind it which also seems to have the low pressure AC port on the nut.

And I know if I try to turn it the hard line will rip apart and I'll be looking at an engine pull.

Can't go from the top as there is a hard line to the radiator above it, can't go from the bottom as there is a smog pump filter canister in the way. Any ideas?

[worf]

It's easy enough to get the compressor dropped and the 1 1/8 nut off the compressor, but the hard line is a different story: I can get a 1 1/4 wrench on the nut with no problem from the top, but there seems to be no way to support the line behind it which also seems to have the low pressure AC port on the nut.

Loosen the joint from underneath. There's just enough room to get an open-end 27mm wrench on the hardline's hex to counterhold while you juggle the 32mm in the other hand.

[Fox_]

I tried for hours on mine and still kinked the line. I ended up cutting it off and it was extremely difficult to break the connection off the car.

Good luck!

[ChrisZ]

Hm, could be time to get the dremel cutting wheel again. Got the one on the radiator off by cutting into the nut several times, cutting off the line, then getting a socket on the nut with a wrench on the counterbolt.

What a pain in the ass.

[Fox_]

Having BTDT the *SUBSTANTIALLY* easier path is if you're able to get it off without damage.

I would strongly advocate for taking your time and operating with care.

[ChrisZ]

Yeah it looks like if I take off the smog pump filter assembly I'll have a clear shot, but to be honest it's not leaking, it's low pressure, screw it for now.

Meantime the high pressure side is even more fun: I threaded the line through the various twists and turns, disconnected that pipe that was in the way, found it was transmission fluid (sigh), reconnected it and when I put the condenser in the hose would not go into the top fitting.

Pulled everything out (again) and it turns out the reason the nut was so hard to get off was that the PO tightened it with a locking pliers and now the fucking top fitting is an OVAL. Which means the line will not go in and sure enough the old line was an oval too.

Fucking sigh, I'll see if I can squeeze it back but I may just junk the condenser for a new one. Give a mouse a cookie.....

[ChrisZ]

So it looks like a new series flow is $400 as is a parallel flow condenser. Given that the 928 sucks in terms of stock condenser capacity what's the best one out there I can get?

I'll junk the old one; it's garbage anyway. This is a 1986.5 which has the old style lines, compressor, and the super complex dryer.

[Fox_]

You can look at my thread for photos two different options, but there's a significant amount of custom fabrication, welding, braising, bending, ect. It's also no longer original after that.

I don't know of the quality of the "ready made" parallel flow condensers for 928s. The integrated style of the original condenser/drier design is significantly different than the generic ones you can buy today.

Are you keeping the R-12 or updating to R-134a? Do you have rear AC? Have you verified the rear AC evaporator isn't leaking if so(mine was)?

[Eplebnista]

https://www.coolerclassics.com/product- ... 3-ac4970pf