PCV Hose Replacement 1975 500CID with A/C

[ChrisTabat]

Time to replace brittle and cracked vacuum hoses on my Eldorado.    Has anybody discovered a trick to replacing the PCV hose at the carb without either removing the carb or the AC compressor?   The only reference I'm finding in the manual is in the carb removal procedures,  and that says to remove the carb and then remove the PCV hose. 

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Chris,
The connection is a tight place/space but replacement is possible with a little patience and a lot of dexterity.  Failing that my next choice would be to loosen the mounting bolts on the AC compressor (not the refrigerant hoses) after loosening the belt and moving the compressor slightly to provide access to the nipple on the carb.
Greg Surfas

[hornetball]

I second moving the AC compressor a little forward to gain access.  You have to loosen the PS pump mount bolts and pivot the pump to get the belt off.  At that point, it is 5 fairly accessible bolts (3 x 9/16 and 2 x 1/2) to free the compressor.

Getting the carb off isn't a hard job either, but sometimes the fuel line is stubborn (make sure to use the 2-wrench method) and you'll need new gaskets to set it back in place.  If you do pull the carb, pay attention to the torque specs for the mounting bolts as they are pretty light.  You don't want to warp the carb.

If you don't have your PCV hose yet, I've found the hoses that are reproduced for some GM muscle cars with molded 90 degree ends can be trimmed for a perfect fit on the Eldo.  Something like this:

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Replacement-PCV-Hose-w-Molded-End-Camaro-Nova-Chevelle-GM-Truck,116951.html

Do the PCV valve while you're at it.

[TJ Hopland]

I was thinking a special hose was needed if you still have the AC in place.   Good tip on getting one from a more popular car and modifying it.


A set of hose pliers may help also.  Don't know anything about this specific set just using it as an example.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-long-reach-hose-grip-pliers-37909.html

[ChrisTabat]

Thanks.  I moved the compressor a couple times for work on my '68 and it wasn't too bad,  but it never hurts to see if someone else has a better alternative.   I got the old, broken hose off without moving the compressor,  so maybe I will be able to get a fresh, pliable hose on.   I appreciate the lead on the hose.