'72 454 A/C Hose assembly removal from POA

[Randall K.]

I don't believe that the compression fitting joining the high-pressure hose to the POA valve has been moved in 37 years. It certainly wouldn't move with straight elbow grease...

If application of penetrating oil doesn't help, is it OK to use a little torch heat on the nut, or will I damage the valve?

Thanks
Randy

[Larry M.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly removal from POA

Randy:

The POA valve is installed in the low pressure side of the AC system, even though the hose may appear heavy-duty. The connections are o-ring seal and not flare/compression. I would stay with penetrating oil like Kroil or PB Blaster.

I am not certain if (some) heat would cause any POA damage. Rebuilt POA units are TIG welded at the middle flange after reconditioning. Also a replacement POA can be bought if problems/issues.

I would be more concerned about the hose and hose connection. Not sure exact replacements/reproductions are available any longer.

Larry

[Randall K.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly removal from POA

There I go - showing my ignorance... that's why this board is so great!

I'm removing the hose because one ruptured, so the hose assembly needs to be rebuilt anyhow.

I found a guy in St. Louis who supposedly rebuilds these using the existing metal parts and somehow manages to recrimp or reproduce the crimp - hope to see him over the weekend to verify.

Thanks!

[Larry M.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly removal from POA

Randy:

I'm sure some of the old AC crimping tooling/dies are still around. But I think they have long been replaced for customer use by the more modern DOT approved type......sort of like brake hoses for our cars.

Keep us posted on the St. Louis guy and how things turn out. I'm sure many will be interested.

Larry