Bending AC Lines

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Jun 21, 2019 | 09:44 PM

EXSwap

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Fleet Mechanic

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Bending AC Lines

I need to reroute or bend my main AC lines that come off of the compressor to get around the lower radiator hose outlet on the 12V. Anyone have experience bending the large AL lines? Any tips or tricks? Really just need to push them back so they clear and don’t need to go far. I’d be straightening them actually, as they are basically at a 90 coming out of the pump. Thanks in advance!

Jun 22, 2019 | 07:29 PM

Excurvelle

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Pipes do not like to bend, they develop kinks and A/C lines carry pressure. You may be able to get a little bend out of them but be careful.

Jun 23, 2019 | 06:37 AM

EXSwap

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Fleet Mechanic

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That’s what I was thinking. Thought about heating them a bit, but to your point, I don’t need a pressure line rupturing. I’ll have to mock it up a bit further and see where it’s at and go from there. May be able to cut them and then adapt from there. Thanks!

Jun 23, 2019 | 09:55 AM

alloro

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Quote:

Originally Posted by EXSwap

Thought about heating them a bit

No, no, no, no, no...the only proper way to bend the tube and avoid damaging it is with the correct size bender.

Jun 23, 2019 | 08:05 PM

EXSwap

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Fleet Mechanic

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I may look at getting a quality tubing bender to see if it’ll work. This part works with the dodge compressor and then the lines get crimped on.

https://www.dieselconversion.com/a-c-manifold.html

Crazy idea I just had was maybe I’ll rotate the compressor 90 degrees and see if I can get it to clear. It’s so dang close I have to scrap the compressor and go with a new dodge version and then buy the conversion lines.