I had some fuel line issues last week, and to make working on them easier, I remove the stock AC compressor. It wasn't charged, and I am replacing all of my AC components in the near future. I cannot seem to get the compressor line detached from the bottom of the POA valve. I am guessing when I put all of the new stuff in, a bit of never seize is recommended during assembly of these joints. In the mean time, any suggestions for how to get it apart?

I have another issue with removing the AC. I have Hooker headers. The rear bracket for the compressor is an aftermarket part sold by Hooker for 68-72 small block AC systems. Looking at it now, I wonder how I ever got it mounted. The two header bolts holding the bracket have no room for a socket, and barely any room for an open end wrench. How am I going to get this off? I guess Power Blaster is a must pre-treatment. I am going to use a C4 serpentine system with an ND compressor, when I reinstall the AC, so the bracket is not needed, and possibly in the way.

I know I could cut this stuff up, to get it off, but I would like to sell the AC Brackets. Some AC parts vendors are willing to pay a core charge for rebuildable POA valves, expansion valves, etc. so salvaging them is desirable. It would be nice to get a little spare change to put back into my toy.

 

Have you tried from underneath? From the top side, there isn't much room down by the POA.

 

I have an Eckler's tilt front end which is off of the car for work ease. I have fairly decent access to the POA valve from above/side. Are there special tools? Or, do I just use lots of power blaster, some open end wrenches and a hammer.

 

Use line wrenches.

 

Not big enough. my line Wrench set only goes to 7/8. The Hose fitting out of the bottom of the POA requires a 1 1/4 inch wrench. You need a 1 1/2 inch to grip the POA while loosening the hose fitting. Not gripping the POA will cause the POA mounting brackets to rip out of the evaporator enclosure. Using a 1 1/8 inch wrench, and a BF Crescent, I removed the evaporator to POA fitting. Now if I disconnect the POA from the expansion valve and remove the POA bracket mounting bolts, I might be able to remove the line on the work bench.

 

Any help here?