A/C Line Burst While Recharging System - '96 850 GLT Non-Turbo

Well, as the subject line says, I started with a can containing 8 1/2
oz. of compressor oil and 2 1/2 oz. of R-134. That went in fine. Then, I
followed up with a normal can of R134 and partially through, I heard a
pop, rushing sound and oil all over the place. (Naturally, this happened
as I was showing off my mechanical prowess to a pretty neighbor lady).

Turns out the joint or coupling leading into the receiver
disengaged/separated/popped out, leaking everything out. This is the
line with the valve and cap, which makes a 90 degree turn into the
receiver. I'm not sure why that happened, but my concern is driving the
car with disconnected lines, for fear of the compressor lubricant
leaking out and seizing the compressor.

1) Is this a legitimate concern?
2) What caused the line to burst to begin with?
3) What does it cost to repair the joint/coupling?

I'd appreciate any input, as I have to use the car tomorrow.

 

By receiver, I think you mean evaporator, that's what the 2 connections
at the firewall are for. There's supposed to be a coil spring inside
that rolled over flange on the pipe that engages the flare on the
evaporator pipe. There's a special tool to lift the spring into the top
of the "roll" to allow disassembly. There's something wrong with this
connection on your car, you can try to see exactly what's missing by
using a mirror to look inside the other one.

The compressor won't run when there's no refrigerant in the system, so
your only worry is long term - with the connection open, moisture will
slowly get in. Pushing the lines back together temporarily will
minimize this.

Now you do need to take it to someone with equipment to evacuate the
system before recharging, so it may be a good idea to let them fix the
burst connection.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

NOTE: new address!!
Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

No, I mean receiver/dryer, a canister-like cylinder, located in back of
the radiator.

 

Silly me, I forgot that connection is like the ones for the evaporator.
Everything I said about the other connections still applies.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

NOTE: new address!!
Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

Hi there.
I would like to do some repair on my A/C, but I don't know what to do about
the recharging.
It seem to me from what you wrote, that it's possible to obtain a can of
R-134, does this come pressurized?
Do you know of any online shop that sells this stuff.

Regards

Per Hauge

 

I bought mine at Walmart, but CarQuest sells cans for $3-4 each.. Very
inexpensive and easy to replenish.

 

I just checked with a mechanic, who tells me that the receiver-dryer is
likely plugged and will have to be replaced.

Is that likely? If so, can it be unplugged? And, what does another
receiver-dryer cost (non-Volvo/Aftermarket, of course)?

Thanks...