70 AMX A/C hose removal

Hi:

If it's anything like trying to get to the A/C hoses on a '71 AMX you basically have to remove the dash to get to them. Not fun.

To remove the two A/C hoses on any year AMX or Javelin, remove the steering column from the car, remove the gas pedal assembly....and for some extra space remove the drivers seat.  The expansion valve is buried in tar impregnated cork, unwrap the expansion valve and the end of the evaporator.  Make sure you use a wrench on both sides of the hose...one on hose the other on evaporator or expansion valve.   Just some advise if you are this far in.....1. Replace the expansion valve, no matter what.  2. Flush the Evaporator while you have the system open with a good quality A/C Flush.  3. Flush the Condensor also.  4. Change the o-rings on the check valve assy at the Dryer.   4.  Send the Dryer out to Classic Auto Air and have it rebuilt with new desiccant that is R-134a compatible. 

X 2 on Ross's instructions. I've done this job too and it's all about getting access under the dash. The hex sided fittings are fairly large so kinda big wrenches are needed. If you don't use back up wrenches on the fittings silver soldered to the evap coil you will twist them off.

If memory serves me correctly, the lubricants in the system need to be removed because the R134A causes them to coagulate or something. Flushing everything (compressor and all) and replacing the lubricant with PAG oil is the best way to do this. I do not remember anyone talking about how PAG oil works with the original compressers. I installed a Sanden style rotary compressor so I didn't worry about it. Black rubber o-rings will not last with the R-134a you need to install the green ones designed for that use.

Make sure you re-wrap all the underdash fittings as before, the material used for that purpose is available at parts stores, the AMC vendors and Ebay.

Armand.