bzn5150

I bought an 89 Bronco II last week. The A/C doesn't work because one of the vaccuum hoses on top of the engine has a big welt and leaks out all the freon (or whatever it's called these days).

Is this something I should try to tackle myself? It looks like all I have to do is undo about four bolts and the thing will come off, allowing me to replace with a new hose.

I'm just a little scared because it is a "vaccuum" hose, and I wouldn't want to screw something up that would either damage the engine or allow costly refridgerant to leak out all over the place.

TwotoneVert

If you have a hole in it, the system has already escaped. I say go ahead and replace it, then pull a vacuum on it to see if it leaks. You will have to anyway before you recharge it, so you will know before you put any freon it if it will hold. I used to have a Bronco II, but I cant remember what hose you are talking about. Can you post a picture?

bzn5150

I'll have to bust out the digital camera tonight and take a pic to show you guys. When you say that I'll have to "pull a vaccuum on it", what exactly does that mean? If I hook it all up and fire it up, will the engine do that itself?

TwotoneVert

If the line you are talking about is the line for the A/C, it is either the low pressure or high pressure line. This system is independent of the engine vacuum system. You said that you leak freon from this hose, so it can only be one of the two I mentioned. With the age of the truck, I am certain it is an R-12 system, in which case you will have to take it to a shop to have a vacuum pulled and charged. Has it ever been converted to 134a? If the line you are talking about is simply a vacuum line, then yes, the engine will work itself when you replace the line, in which case, the non-working A/C system has a problem all its own.

corvetteguy

Yes, an AC system does not have or operate with
a vacuum hose. There is pressure on the entire
system when not operating. When operating, there
is a high and a low side.
Before refilling an AC system you need a vacuum pump
to evacuate and dry out the AC lines in preparation for
filling with R134A. Old R12 is now way too expensive
for a shadetree mechanic.
If you are removing a part of the AC system try not to leave
it open for very long as moisture from the air will
kill some components.

bzn5150

You should be able to see the hose that is busted (although you can't see the bulge and bust from this angle). It is a rubber hose that goes into metal ends, which is why I thought this was a vaccuum hose. Perhaps it is just a pressure hose? Can I change this myself?


[IMG]local://upfiles/76597/16D578E539774B10B406CEF6E6B7F3D3.jpg[/IMG]

corvetteguy

If you can get to both sides and
loosten the fittings should be no
problem. If you need to take the hose
to NAPA for a new one you can close the
two open ends to keep out the moisture.

bzn5150

bump