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Technical Compression fitting on an AC hard line?

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by AGELE55, May 30, 2022.

  1. AGELE55
    Joined: Jan 4, 2018
    Posts: 620

    AGELE55
    Member

    Any taboo on using a standard compression fitting on AC lines? I’ve got myself in a pickle and it looks like the easy fix. 4815E9BD-1988-4F69-92AE-F23D5F96A392.jpeg
     
  2. TCTND
    Joined: Dec 27, 2019
    Posts: 543

    TCTND
    Member

    Well, some of the AC guys get their panties in a bunch if you suggest using anything but "official" AC fittings, but properly fitted comp fittings seal perfectly and work fine. DON'T use them on brake lines.
     
    AGELE55 likes this.
  3. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,818

    BJR
    Member

    I have used them before to fix rusted out lines, worked for years after the repair.
     
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  4. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 13,174

    Budget36
    Member

    I would use DOT fittings with higher pressure, they a little thing that slips into the tube that when the ferrule is crushed, the little tube thing takes the pressure, not the line.
    But, can they be found for your size of line and wall thickness? I dunno.
     
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  5. SS327
    Joined: Sep 11, 2017
    Posts: 2,469

    SS327

    You have to use brass fittings on aluminum lines because steel ones will make the line corrode. It’s that whole dissimilar metals thing.
     
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  6. Joe H
    Joined: Feb 10, 2008
    Posts: 1,525

    Joe H
    Member

    Not quite the same thing, but we use a compression type fitting made for compressed natural gas on our school bus fleet. The lines and fittings are stainless steel and will hold over 8100 psi safety rating. They are rated for 2.5 times the working pressure of 3600 psi. You should have no problem holding the pressure of an a/c system.
     
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  7. BamaMav
    Joined: Jun 19, 2011
    Posts: 6,713

    BamaMav
    Member
    from Berry, AL

    I have bought kits before to replace orifice tubes that were in the middle of the line instead of replacing the entire line. They came with compression fittings. Never had a problem with them leaking.
     
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  8. deathrowdave
    Joined: May 27, 2014
    Posts: 3,519

    deathrowdave
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from NKy

    Use the Parker Brand fitting with the two piece compression cone and you are home free . Myself I would use a stainless steel fitting .
     
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  9. deathrowdave
    Joined: May 27, 2014
    Posts: 3,519

    deathrowdave
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from NKy

    If you want to go first class find a SwageLok fitting , air craft quality fittings . We used thousands of them in my working days , never one issue when tightened as directed . Them are stronger than the tube you are sealing .
     
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  10. onetrickpony
    Joined: Sep 21, 2010
    Posts: 753

    onetrickpony
    Member
    from Texas

    A/C parts companies used to sell repair fittings for twisted off lines. They were compression fittings but they had o-rings in them.
     
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  11. hepme
    Joined: Feb 1, 2021
    Posts: 519

    hepme
    Member

    Very true. Used them at NASA for flight testing.
     
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  12. KenC
    Joined: Sep 14, 2006
    Posts: 1,045

    KenC
    Member

    If you have a local place that does hydraulic lines, they will have a special type of compression fitting. Usually available in plated steel or stainless. Kind of a knock off of the Swagelok mentioned earlier but generic. Good for way more pressure than an AC will make and won't loosen like some compression types when the 'olive' is compressed.
     

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