Talk about frustrating. Last night I went to remove the air pump, hoses and fittings off the motor, and while trying to get the passenger side off, I hit an aluminum line for the A/C going to the compressor. After startling me a bit, the gas and moisture was everywhere...smoked me out of the garage.

Moments later I was able to see what exactly I hit...and it turns out the crack in the line is real close to the compressor itself. Probably a 1/2 inch long. I've decided I'd like to keep my A/C, but what do I do about the crack in the line? Can it be repaired, or would I have to install a new one? And I've read about people getting the A/C recharged...is that the stuff you can buy at the parts stores?

 

i would replace the line and any o-rings. You can charge it yourself, but you need to rent or buy a vacuum pump first to purge the system. If you've never done it before, i would take it to a shop and have them recharge it for you.

 

Man, that sucks but believe me Its not too bad.
You should not try to patch that line. That is a high pressure line and its not a good idea to "patch it". I doubt any AC place would refill you anyway with it patched.

So, what to do. Get a part from an F body parts supplier such as www.speedautomotive.com and then install it.
Then I'd just go to your local auto parts store and get an R134 refill kit. There are some that have the hose attached to the can itself. This is nice and can save you some extra cash.
If you have to buy the refill "station" kit then I'd just forget it and go to a refiller. Those kits are bucks. The freon itself is cheap per can.

To fill it. You will need to connect to the low pressure nozzle on the pass. side by the top of the wheel well. Hook up and shake the can as it discharges.
Have the AC on full blast while you are discharging the cans.
Good luck,
STEW

 

Thanks for the replies!

Is it going to hurt my compressor by using heat or the defroster in the meantime until I can get it fixed? I had a buddy tell me I could burn up the compressor without the freon in it, is that true?? Or, is there oil in it?

 

You can run it..
The 'pressure switch' won't allow the compressor to turn on now..

 

I would have a shop charge your AC as you sould put a vac pump on a system that is totally flat and now has air - moisture in it. I am in the AC trade and can tell you if there is any air or moisture in the sytem it will not work properly and may subject the compresor to damage.