Installed my A/C Hoses

[Oiluj]

I made and installed my A/C hoses on Friday.

To crimp the hose fittings, I used a Mastercool 71550 Manual hose crimper and it worked like a charm.

At $200, it’s expensive as a “one-time use tool”, but I was quoted about $100 to have a shop crimp the hoses. Given I’m going to have to make new hoses for my neighbor’s 240Z, I decided to buy the tool. Might sell it on Craig’s list when I’m done with it, or maybe I’ll just keep it…

I still need to install the hose restraints and wiring in the engine bay this week, but that should only take a couple hours. Then it’s off to a local mechanic to get the system evacuated and charged.

It’s going to be nice to have air conditioning. I’ll post some pictures of the installation later this week.

[sblake01]

I looked at that one when I was looking for a crimper. I ended up getting the Atco 3700 because it looked to be a little easier to use. It cost me a little more but I've used it enough over the years to make it cost effective.

[Oiluj]

Yep. A good tool is worth having, and I have no complaint with this one. Easy to use and works as advertised.

[hr369]

before he slipped the rubber hose over the pipe he sprayed some 3m super adhesive on the aluminum a/c pipe for extra hold, then crimped the fitting

[sblake01]

before he slipped the rubber hose over the pipe he sprayed some 3m super adhesive on the aluminum a/c pipe for extra hold, then crimped the fitting

I don't see the need for that. I've made a countless number of hoses over the years without adhesive and have never had one leak at the crimp.

[philbar73]

Very cool. If the tool is for sale let me know. I have a new AC kit for my 240 and I do not like the hoses at all. I didn't think of making them, I was going to go to a custom hose shop. I learn from this site all the time. Thank you....

[Oiluj]

Very cool. If the tool is for sale let me know. I have a new AC kit for my 240 and I do not like the hoses at all. I didn't think of making them, I was going to go to a custom hose shop. I learn from this site all the time. Thank you....

Phil, If I do sell the tool, it won't be for a few months. My neighbor's 240Z is still in the paint shop and I have to finish her car first.

[philbar73]

I'm glad you made this post. I will see if I can find a tool that will do the job. It is a good idea to make the hoses. I'm sure I will take more care then most hose shops to make them fit the way I want them to fit. I have used a lot of crimp tools over the years for electrical items but didn't think about making the hoses until I read your post.

[Oiluj]

I've got A/C! And it's even cold... Charged the system this morning and went for a drive.

Had an issue with one of the hoses I made. The hose itself had a pin-hole which sealed itself during the vacuum test, but failed under pressure. Was that a surprise when the refrigerent came squirting out!

Happily, I had two extra #6 fittings and some extra hose so I just made a new one.

Found I'm going to have to add an electric fan to help keep the engine cool if I get caught in-traffic. When sitting at idle with A/C at max cold, the engine temp begins to rise. Just one more project to add to the list...

No matter, I've got working A/C!!!

[ZCurves]

Congratulations! But with today's weather in the Bay Area of 75/54, shouldn't you be riding with the windows down?? I am very jealous of left coast weather .

[Oiluj]

True, where I am on the peninsula temps are moderate. Around here, it's two windows down.

The east bay, however, is a different story. Where I grew up in Antioch, (only 70 miles away), Summer temps are typically in the high 90's to low 100's. Still have family and freinds I visit there on a regular basis.

Plus, I'm planning a trip in the Z to SOCAL shortly. San Diego was in the 90's today. Nice to have A/C when you need it!