imsulating the cold side hoses?
#1
imsulating the cold side hoses?
The A/C works pretty good in my 2001 but not nearly as cold as the a/c in my Volvo wagon.
I was changing the oil today and after I was done I had the motor running and the a/c on while I was looking under the hood, Condensation was coming off the exposed aluminum lines on the cold side ( high pressure) it occured to me that doesn't make any sense to have uninsulated refrigerant lines in the engine compartment,
Any suggestions on a suitable insulation wrap for the lines that won't melt under the hood??
I was changing the oil today and after I was done I had the motor running and the a/c on while I was looking under the hood, Condensation was coming off the exposed aluminum lines on the cold side ( high pressure) it occured to me that doesn't make any sense to have uninsulated refrigerant lines in the engine compartment,
Any suggestions on a suitable insulation wrap for the lines that won't melt under the hood??
#3
Pro...
Your warning seems valid. I did find some info at Ford Fleet that says the following:
A/C Lines & Fittings
* The following is a good practice to ensure proper function of A/C lines and joints
o Protect underbody lines from stones with convolute or foam insulation
o Route convolute or foam so that the slit is on the bottom of the assembly to avoid corrosion (Water accumulation)
o Route lines away from heat sources (Exhaust pipes), heat will damage orings, hoses and crimps
o Insulating suction line will improve performance
o Use lines going to the rear that are equal to or less than ½ inch (Liq. Lines. For better performance)
o Use lines coming from the rear that are equal to or larger than 5/8” (Suc. Lines. For better oil in circulation)
So what I did was put microcell foam insulation on the suction line I put the slit on the bottom and snugged it down lightly with zip-ties . It made a very noticeable improvement in the cold air output. It is 94 degrees out and this is the first time the a/c has been too cold.
Your mileage may vary.
Your warning seems valid. I did find some info at Ford Fleet that says the following:
A/C Lines & Fittings
* The following is a good practice to ensure proper function of A/C lines and joints
o Protect underbody lines from stones with convolute or foam insulation
o Route convolute or foam so that the slit is on the bottom of the assembly to avoid corrosion (Water accumulation)
o Route lines away from heat sources (Exhaust pipes), heat will damage orings, hoses and crimps
o Insulating suction line will improve performance
o Use lines going to the rear that are equal to or less than ½ inch (Liq. Lines. For better performance)
o Use lines coming from the rear that are equal to or larger than 5/8” (Suc. Lines. For better oil in circulation)
So what I did was put microcell foam insulation on the suction line I put the slit on the bottom and snugged it down lightly with zip-ties . It made a very noticeable improvement in the cold air output. It is 94 degrees out and this is the first time the a/c has been too cold.
Your mileage may vary.
Last edited by RKrough; 06-26-2007 at 09:30 PM.
#4