Let's talk AC Lines (Page 1/1)
tbone42 AUG 23, 11:22 PM
86 Fiero, 2.5 Engine

My Fiero has aftermarket air by ARA MFg installed. Leaked out the r134a from the shader valve over the last couple years so it was time to recharge. The AC lines are over 25 years old and I blew one recharging it..which I expected could happen. They didn't looks so great. It blew cold for a few minutes then KABOOM. Freon and Esther oil all over my engine compartment. Hose split right behind where it mounts to the compressor.

Now, since my AC is aftermarket and special I can't just get on the Fiero Store and order replacement hoses. I need to buy the stuff to make it or have someone do it for me. (Not even sure if anyone near me makes them...) Or take it to a shop.

So I've watched videos on making your own AC lines and it doesn't look terribly hard...in fact, beyond the cost, routing the new line will probably be the worst part because the AC lines are really squeezed in up under and behind the donut. One line goes behind the steering rack in the gap, I'm not kidding.

I'm trying to choose between taking it to a shop and letting them agonize officer it (not ideal because I'm broke), buying the crimping tool for $150 and getting fittings and hose and doing it myself.. including the routing which I am dreading... Or having someone make me the hoses and installing myself.

Any suggestions or discussion welcome. It's hot as hell out and would have been nice to get the AC going.. but I'm not rushing out tomorrow to get this done or anything.
skywurz AUG 23, 11:35 PM
i got nothing for you really. If i were you i would just try to convert to factory AC. I plan on putting AC in a non AC 88gt soonish. I expect to have to build some special harness bits but already handled the engine harness swap.


Some people have luck taking old rubber lines to "good" AC shops and they replace the rubber. You will not likely find anything as far as NOS or replacements.
tbone42 AUG 24, 01:11 PM
Yeah I think it's likely a whole new hose will have to be made.. but since the AC works other than the line and I don't have original parts, i don't have any desire to swap over to factory AC.
theogre AUG 24, 03:38 PM
Hose(s) maybe bad but other things can make hose to fail.
Example: While GM uses Orifice Tube to "regulate" expansion rate and cause problems... Many others Do Not and can have bad TXV AKA Expansion Valve and blow anything on high side of system.

Replacing TXV is more expensive and more problems w/ aftermarket Vehicle AC because often hard to impossible to get.
More expensive on cars using them as OE but way easier to find.

Aftermarket Car AC may use parts from other cars or other things like Home AC, refrigerators, etc.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 08-24-2021).]

RWDPLZ AUG 24, 07:27 PM
Would definitely replace the TXV & drier at the same time. While supposedly hydraulic hose shops CAN make them, I've never seen one that will actually take the job. The cost would probably be approaching the cost of the tool, too. You might be able to re-coup some of the cost selling the tool when you're done if you don't think you'll use it again. Having the tool and making the hoses yourself would also allow you to route the hoses in a better way than what originally came with the kit,

pontiacfierokid1985 AUG 25, 12:45 AM
Still looking for a set for my 3800sc car impossible to find you would think these would be a common thing now since the swap has been done since the 90’s
Dennis LaGrua AUG 27, 05:32 AM

quote
Originally posted by pontiacfierokid1985:

Still looking for a set for my 3800sc car impossible to find you would think these would be a common thing now since the swap has been done since the 90’s



By bulk barrier hose (IIRC #8 and #10) the hose ferrules and the crimper and you can make your own hoses. You can reuse the old fittings on the C manifold and compressor side. If you measure up and know what you want many NAPA stores make A/C hoses.

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"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
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