DVAST8R_88

81 vette

So, I spent this morning trying to get the broken bolt out of the head where the A/C bracket goes, with no luck. I actually broke an extractor. Going to drill it out and tap...

In the meantime, I was looking at the hoses coming off of the compressor. I have the replacements, since my low pressure line leaks like someone shot it with bird shot. Looking at the line going to the condenser, it looks like it would be a snap to get loose if I take the hood off. That might be problematic if I am the only one at the house for a while. Looking at the other side, if I take my passenger side vent off of my fender, I can reach right in and grab the line coupling. No way am I going to fit a large enough wrench in there to loosen it up.

Is there a trick I am missing, or do I just need to find a really short set of wrenches for one, and remove the hood for the other?

Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.

derekderek

The lines go thru a cut-out of sorts in rad support bracket. i took out my rad support and the lines and condensor are right there with nothing in the way. broken ez out. broken in the bolt? you ain't drilling it out.

sambrand

year / engine would be helpful

also you are aware the lines decouple with a special tool that slips over the hose and pops them apart?

carriljc

Removing the hood by yourself is not that terribly difficult. Here are some recent pointers. You're better off removing it to do the work....instead of damaging things:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-r-and-r.html

Street Rat

You can get to the right front lower metal condenser line without taking the hood off. There is space between the hood and the front valence panel to work on it. I have an '81 also.

Craig

DVAST8R_88

Ok, thanks, guys. I was not aware of a tool to separate them. I'll see if I can get a loaner from Autozone.

Good thing I asked before trying to force things apart.

sambrand

just buy it

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...FVHGwAodsxsIsQ

'75

Not on a C3, those type lines came along many yrs later!
Have you ever looked under the hood of a C3?

'75

Those lines are easier with the hood off, but doable with it on. Be sure to use a back up wrench to keep from twisting pipe at the condenser connection, it can be fragile.

bruiser

To loosen the lines on the accumulator just take the lines off the compressor, unbolt the accumulator . Then you have to take the rocker panel and shield on the bottom of the fender off. Then you just have to pull the accumulator down through the bottom of the fender. It is easy to get the line off then.

Engage

No need to remove hood...... Google crowsfoot wrench.I bought a set when I had to do them on my 81

DVAST8R_88

Cool. Thanks for the info, guys.

I actually looked at a crow's foot set earlier today, but didn't know if they would be large enough for the fittings. I may go that route first just to see how it goes.

It has been mid 90s here this past week, and I could really use some a/c. I'm just glad I have the t-top inserts for the glass tees, or I would really be cooking.

naramlee

harbor freight carries a full set, don't buy the snap-on ones, you'll need a 2nd on the house if you do

I hate the reason you need a crowfoot wrench, but damn if they aren't the most useful tool you'll rarely use

sambrand

I don't mind being corrected but once you start delvng into being an ******* maybe its time to stop surfing msg boards.

'75

Your misinformation is misleading to the people asking questions, the problem is that they don't know the information is bad. A little care with your responses would help.