How to question - non SVX related

[svxter]

Anyone know how to break the connections to the A/C condenser on an 84 T-bird? It looks like there's some sort of metal ring that's sweged around the flanges on the condesor and line. I was told that the joint could be pulled apart, but I don't see how. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[Beav]

It requires a special tool. Many a/c and fuel fittings are designed similar to those. If you look into the open end of the fitting you'll see the edge of a spring, coiled inside concentrically. The spring needs to be pushed up into the outer periphery of the coupling in order for the two halves to be separated. The way the special tool works is that it is hinged and snaps over the coupling, surrounding it. It has a concentric portion that pushes into the spring, forcing it up and outward from the center of the coupling, allowing the two halves to be separated. I realize it is difficult to imagine, I tried to do a line drawing but the justification wouldn't allow it to come out correctly.

The tool(s) is normally sold in sets only and should be available at most parts stores or Sears, etc. See:

http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/pro_de...re&dir=catalog OR: http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summ...id=00946337000

Usually available for less off of the truck ....

[svxter]

Thanks, Beav. I think I understand how it works now. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Beav]

Check my locker for extremely detailed drawing.

[svxter]

Originally posted by Beav
Check my locker for extremely detailed drawing.

Thanks, Beav. I got them all off with a cheapo tool from that place you probably don't want me to mention.

[Beav]

LOL ! heheheheh.... I don't really hate them, I just get tired of hearing "I can get those parts there for a lot less than you're trying to rip me off for!" Yeah buddy, but you don't have to try to eat the dust on your plate for nourishment because your entire week of commission (and reputation) was spoiled by replacing cheap parts.

My biggest gripe these days is NAFTA parts. (not NAPA - they've got good stuff) The cheap stuff that's grown south of the border is inundating all suppliers as everyone tries to stay competetive (with you know who.) Monday I replaced an evaporator in a Dodge Caravan, which is not an easy undertaking. When the evaporator is out of the car all you can see from the driver's seat is the windshield and a piece of metal full of holes - the firewall, nothing else. Tuesday afternoon the Caravan comes back - no a/c. Grrrr... o.k., maybe I screwed up. Wednesday morning (I'm off on Tuesdays) I tear the entire unit back out because the leak detector's going crazy inside of the car. Once the evap is back out it looks as though it was merely an o-ring blown out - something I could have replaced without removing the unit. Double grrrr..... Deciding to assemble the expansion valve onto the evap before placing it back inside the car - something that I normally would not do - I find the real culprit. The evap fitting that carries the o-ring was never sweated on, just barely crimped. If I hadn't decided to install that valve outside of the car I would have had to pull the evap a third time and you can bet there would have been a part store bbq shortly thereafter.

Oh, did I mention that I'm strictly on commission? Now you can understand my passion....