AC fitting leak at compresser 69CDV

[davedeltadog]

My AC system is leaking on my 69 Coupe de Ville at the compressor fittings. I removed the clamp and fittings to discover there are no orings or gasket. I'm assuming they are a metal to metal fit and I need to clean the surfaces and torque to.  spec. I believe they may have been removed recently because system is converted to 134A. Any information is appreciated.   

[35-709]

Not a metal to metal fit!  They require o-rings.  If you have left that system open you will (at a minimum) be replacing the receiver/dryer.  Probably should at this point anyway.  Whoever did that screwed up big-time.

[Scot Minesinger]

Not metal to metal - never a god seal on a gas system.  Should be "O" rings.

It is easy to miss the "O" rings on this set up if unfamiliar.  If the "O" rings were omitted it would leak major.  On the back of the compressor are round groves that accept the "O" rings, check again and you should see them on the compressor, not the hoses. 

The receiver drier is inexpensive - check on Amazon, I have bought a bunch from them branded as "Four Seasons" for low cost - like $25.  Then buy a bunch of "O" rings in various assorted sizes.  Replace all the "O" rings.   Be sure and vacuum it down real well.

[davedeltadog]

thanks guys I will check out the compressor fittings and dryer

[35-709]

No way to tell externally if the receiver/drier is good or bad (unless it is leaking).  If it is bad and the desiccant goes through the system, you will soon find out, and it will be expensive.  If that system has been open to the atmosphere for very long, the only safe thing to do money-wise is replace the receiver/drier.

[Scot Minesinger]

replace the dryer, takes ten minutes on a system already open and cost of it is very low.

[35-709]

Replace it but keep it sealed until ready to hook the hoses up and put a vacuum on it --- now.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

FWIW if the system has been without charge and open to atmospheric conditions for longer than a few hours AND it was charged with h R134a I would have no doubt the oil is so moisture laden you will never be able to successfully dry it out. Not with extensive vacuuming or new dryer. PAG and POE oils are so hygroscopic the entire system (if you really want to get it to operate at a decent level of efficiency for any time at all) should be disassembled and properly flushed. Moisture and these lubricants forms some pretty interesting and corrosive chemicals.
Just my 2 ¥ worth.
Greg Surfas